Ms Elaina Fitzgerald Kane:

I am happy to contribute and give the benefit of our experience. Our hotel is on 40 acres of organic ground. Our green story is not new but very much part and parcel of who we are in terms of our development, down to having our own well and adding a second solar farm. Regarding the promotion of green energy, we have a sustainability manager who is our head gardener. It is a major challenge for us to continue at the pace we want to. As it is right, it is a good fit and it is a natural opportunity for Ireland, there is every reason we should lead the curve on this.

I acknowledge that Fáilte Ireland has put in place a designated sustainability department. That is a big departure that is looking bright. It is only new so there is no pressure as regards what needs to be done. That will be a huge repository. If I look at the infrastructural pieces we want to do, who do we go to? It is an absolute minefield when we talk about energy sources and heat pumps. It is a very specific field. There is no central repository. You are relying on somebody else's story to try to find out whether that is the best fit for you. Due to the carbon footprint of our property versus others, we struggle to find somebody who has the same type of business, etc.

On the SEAI, a system is in place where applications have to be made in March. By the time you find out, and naturally there is a lag, whether you are approved or not, it all needs to be done and the job completed by October. As anyone who knows tourism will know, those works need to be done during the off-peak period, which is in the earlier part of the year or, potentially, later. It is difficult to get the work done when you are at your busiest but, equally, it does not recognise the lead times for substantial programme planning. We have to be very conscious of that. I am sure it is on the hit list for my colleagues in Fáilte Ireland and they are working on it already.

On the issue of that central advice, there is an infrastructural piece and a cultural piece. We have a huge opportunity but we also have commitments around those very real targets. While we are well on the way, we still feel very challenged at times in trying to get to where we need to go. There was a significant programme around the carbon calculator recently, which is of huge value, but it is difficult for the smaller business to navigate. A lot of information is required. There are some great recommendations but how do we bring people on the journey? It is an issue of resources. There are so many courses throughout the country on green sustainability. They are all at different levels and variations but it is a minefield. People need to be handheld. It is unique to their properties, at this stage, until we establish broad genres. We find it very challenging. Our ambition and passion is well beyond the resources available to us now. Hopefully, that will change.