Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)

I thank everyone for coming. In developing an offshore renewable energy industry in coastal towns, especially since our fishing industries, particularly in the north, are in a serious state of decline, the most important thing is that we need to ensure that sustainable livelihoods and continued economic growth for our fishing communities are guaranteed and will not decline because of wind farms becoming the main industry on the west coast. We need to make sure we have a proper plan in place to sustain our fishing industries because, at the moment, they are in a sad state of decline. I know many experienced fishers between Killybegs and elsewhere along the coast of Donegal who are turning to offshore work because it is more sustainable and the income is more reliable.

My first question is for Wind Energy Ireland. Why is it that so many of these fishers are forced to go abroad to seek offshore work on wind farms? Is there a lack of opportunities for offshore work in Ireland and how do we address this?