Mr. Justin Moran:

On the south coast DMAP, the potential is exactly as the Cathaoirleach has outlined. One thing that would be really helpful to deliver that potential is that the DMAP is supposed to have an implementation board to implement all of the policies that are in the south coast DMAP. I do not think that implementation board is in place at the moment. An implementation board would be a really useful exercise in maximising delivery of the DMAP and would ensure that people are as involved as possible.

On benefits to communities, the community benefit fund in the offshore renewable electricity support scheme is set at €2 per MW/h. For a wind farm of the size of Tonn Nua we are talking about millions if not tens of millions of euro over the course of the project.

I am interested in getting feedback from committee members on the following. The Government has put in place the RESS. The offshore scheme is not the exact same but it is similar. It is more transparent than what has been there before. Projects are required to report on an annual basis. That information is published on the website by the SEAI. Control of where the funds go is in the community route now rather than that of the owner of the wind farm. Those are really positive steps.

I will take this opportunity to say that one thing we have highlighted on a number of occasions is that there is an opportunity to ensure some of the community benefit fund goes to support the fishing and seafood communities. That is not there at the moment. There is no restriction on where the money should go but it would be useful guidance to give to communities.