Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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It is a specific directorate. There is an independence at An Bord Pleanála, so line Ministers do not get directly involved. However, in response to Deputy Bruton, I said earlier it is probably on the planning side that we have the real constraint in our system and that is the biggest constraint in developing offshore renewable energy, and indeed a range of other projects. Recognising this needs very specific skills and expertise in marine ecology and marine spatial planning, it is right for An Bord Pleanála to have a special unit. We are supporting that by part-funding it. As I understand it An Bord Pleanála is currently advertising and looking to bring in the skilled personnel it needs. We have to treat this with urgency, because when it comes to offshore matters, we have to get environmental protection and the planning right. We are in competition in a sense with most other countries in north-west Europe that are looking for similar investment. If our planning and permitting are not done in a timely manner, we may see the shipping, cabling, turbines and other supply chain elements going to other markets. That is why it is critical.