Mr. Noel Cunniffe:

I thank Senator O'Donovan for the question. All of the issues our industry currently faces are set out in detail in the offshore wind action plan, and I am happy to send it to Senator O'Donovan after the meeting. They vary depending on what phase the project is at. The big barrier to delivering phase 1 projects quickly is getting them through the planning system as quickly as possible. This would involve resourcing not only An Coimisiún Pleanála but also the State agencies that are vital to the planning process and statutory consultees.

Another really big topic that is important for the phase 1 projects is the delivery of port infrastructure on the island of Ireland. Continued investment in Cork port has been referenced but it is also an issue for other ports, to be able to build these projects from Ireland. As we move to later phases, things like getting certainty for grid capacity, auction design and south coast DMAP sites is really important. It is great to see the Tonn Nua auction progressing this year and we have certainty on grid capacity there. That will be off the south-east coast. Looking at the longer term, at fixed and floating wind potential off our west coast, I referenced the national DMAP, making sure the right level of resourcing is in the Department to be able to carry out surveys, to engage with local communities around the coastline and to get that DMAP published in 2027. I could take the Senator through numerous other barriers but I will leave it there.