Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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I have a number of questions but first I thank the witnesses. The engagement up to this point has been fantastic and informative. I have learned a lot and enjoyed hearing people's perspectives and the questions posed by members.

I represent County Waterford. The south coast DMAP is on a location off the shore of County Waterford so it is a really important issue for the people in my constituency and the people whom I represent. Due to the coastal conditions and maritime environment in the region there is huge potential to develop the offshore renewable energy sector to give energy security to our nation and generate sustainable carbon-free electricity for the environment, which is extremely important. My take on all this is that the Government needs to employ a pragmatic approach. Careful consideration needs to be given to the pros and cons of every single step we take but that should not hold back or slow down progress, which is key because we will be hit with huge fines if we do not meet our targets.

I want to first ask Wind Energy Ireland about the benefits for coastal communities. They will be asked to give up an awful lot, as they see it, and I tend to agree with them. I ask the witnesses to outline specific items in terms of job creation, apprenticeships, upskilling, economic diversification and investment in ports.

Separately, in terms of community dividend for onshore wind generation there is the RESS system. Is there an opportunity to move beyond that system and put something together that is a little more concrete, transparent and embedded in the community?