Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Comhghairdeas, a Chathaoirligh. I am a visitor to your committee but I wanted to wish you well in your role and the committee members well in the very important work they will do over the next four years. I am a member of the Shannon Estuary economic task force, which was constituted under the last Government and produced a report on economic potential within the Shannon Estuary region. Our biggest finding was the opportunity for floating offshore wind from the west coast, so I have a deep interest in the work the committee will do here. I have spoken to the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, on numerous occasions already about our impatience, if I may describe it that way, for the policy development that will enable floating offshore wind to become a reality. From the perspective of climate, the environment and the economic development and revitalisation of coastal communities, the work members will do on this committee is so important and interesting. I wish them well and I hope, with your permission, a Chathaoirligh, that I will be able to join in on certain sessions over the coming years. Thank you in advance for your permission to do so.