Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)

It is very worrying that we will have zero wind energy from offshore by the 2030 deadline, at which point we will be at risk of €26 billion in fines for not meeting our climate targets. We need to push for better co-ordination and resourcing. I know certain entities are struggling with that.

All three groups might be able to respond on this. The marine protected areas legislation should be in place by now, both for the witnesses and in order to ensure that a more holistic and robust system is in place to enable the production of wind energy and the continuation of the fishing sector. Unfortunately, we are three years into the process and we still do not see any legislation forthcoming. What is now being mooted by the Government is not to proceed with a stand-alone piece of legislation but to incorporate what is required as an amendment to the DMAP process. What are the witnesses' thoughts on that?