Dr. Niall Farrell:

I am coming to this and it is a very important issue. We did some research on this looking at the planning delays in the system. When it comes to renewables we are not dealing with one system. There are the normal planning delays as happen when building a house, in going through the planning system and An Bord Pleanála and these types of delays. Renewables are also being connected to the grid. This requires grid access and all of the paperwork that goes with it. These two systems run parallel. If I have a delay in one system it means I might miss out on an application window in the other system. They add up together to a much greater delay then there would be otherwise. We have done some research on this to quantify the effects. It increases the greenhouse gas emissions over many years and it increases the costs. It is definitely an issue that can have an effect.

When it comes to the marine I am not familiar with the particulars that go with it but the same principle applies. There needs to be some sort of co-ordination to help facilitate it. As I mentioned, when it comes to prices getting it correct is very important for cost-effective delivery.