Mr. Mark Foley:

The technology is proven for 100 years. The issue is really whether planning permission can be got, which is clearly a challenge, and whether it can be made work economically because the capital costs of large-scale pump storage are very significant. There has been talk of projects over the years but nothing has really come to light. Clearly, pump storage on the system in significant proportions would be very helpful to the system if it could be achieved and delivered economically.

However, there is nothing of substance available at this point.

On offshore wind, we have suggested a centralised model to the Department. We are trying to get the conversation about offshore wind going. There are projects in the Irish Sea with licences. Are those licences robust? They were given as much as ten years ago. We are trying to stimulate the policy debate so the Government can make a decision and provide policy direction. We thought that offering a view to stimulate that would be helpful rather than sitting back and waiting.