Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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I thank all the witnesses. I could sit and listen to them for the entire day. Coming from a fisheries background, I find this absolutely fascinating.

As a broad comment, it is interesting that even though the witnesses deal with different species, the biggest risk and potential for us to make a difference is for us to properly plan what happens with our marine areas. The risk that we are not doing that is highly problematic. It appears that we are potentially putting the cart before the horse when it comes to climate mitigation in respect of renewable energies if we implement them in the absence of protecting ecological areas. That is a major problem. If we do not put in place MPAs, what is the worst-case scenario for our biodiversity? What is the potential for nature-based solutions or carbon capture in addressing our climate actions?

I have a question for Mr. Kavanagh. I find his project interesting. He is based in Arklow, County Wicklow. There are plans for three large-scale wind farms off the coast of Wicklow. The coast of Wicklow is a pilot for how we manage to roll out these programmes and infrastructure. He has worked on this project for quite a while and has the support of Wicklow County Council. What are the barriers for his project with Professor Franki in terms of ramping it up and putting it in place before we have three large wind farms off the coast? What are the synergies?