Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy.

I agree with his point regarding data centres. Ireland has done well. Other countries see this as a success in FDI. We have a footprint that has to be managed. That is why the large energy user policy, which the CRU will produce, will be important. It will set a plan-led way forward. That is what we need to do. Management is needed, which is understood within the sector. That could be for a large data centre or for another Intel. I have spoken enough about the criticality of grid investment. It is the one thing we need to do on the energy side is that grid investment because it will set us up well into the future.

The Deputy raised Offaly. I commend Offaly. I met him in Tullamore at Accelerate Green. Through Bord na Móna, Offaly County Council and others, there is an area there with approximately 17 start-up firms supported through the just transition fund. These firms are employing people and developing leading-edge technologies within the renewable sector. It is going very well and is creating a hub of expertise, knowledge and enterprise in the region. The rates that have come to Offaly County Council with regard to renewables have been significant. Looking at the Deputy's near neighbour as well, one can see opportunities there that Offaly has grasped and that others have not. That is something that will be reflected in the national planning framework with regard to regional targets on onshore wind.

We are looking at how the community benefit fund interacts with a community and makes sure it is spread appropriately. I am at the early stages of that, but I have asked officials to look at it and see how it can be improved. There are other projects that we could support in a more strategic way, but local oversight is needed as to what is appropriate and to ensure the different funding is linked in. It is also important in relation to future energy pricing.

One thing we have not yet had an opportunity to discuss today but I assume we will - I have discussed it with European colleagues - is how the retail price of energy is struck here and in other European countries that are advancing renewables. Furthermore, our links to the wholesale gas price are not giving the benefit to citizens across Europe - we are not unique in this at all - as to how our energy is priced and levied on domestic and business consumers. I have established the affordability task force within my Department, which I will chair.

One thing we have not talked about today, because we are not talking about energy pricing, is the whole area of affordability that is critical to our citizens and businesses. We have to try to advance that.