Mr. Paddy Teahon:

I thank the Chair.

Our starting point is that Ireland's offshore wind energy is a major natural resource and one of the best in the world. Regrettably, it is also one that we have not yet utilised to any significant extent. It must be emphasised to committee members and others that the development of offshore wind as a resource would achieve a number of aims: reduce or avoid fines by contributing to the reduction of our emissions; increase security of energy supply; and, particularly important in light of the potential adverse effects of Brexit, create a significantly expanded indigenous industrial sector across Ireland, not just in the Dublin area like much of the industrial and service development that has occurred to date. It would also provide activity, jobs and exports.

Four companies have been active for some time in developing offshore wind projects in the Irish Sea and advancing the necessary work. I will invite Mr. Connell to discuss the example provided by Oriel Windfarm Limited.