Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I agree with the Deputy there is undoubted potential in this area to develop resources. The tidal potential is more localised. Wave power comes in along the Atlantic coast and elsewhere but tidal resources are more site specific and include areas that experience high tide speeds. This raises issues regarding the technology used and whether a tidal barge, which traverses an estuary, should be deployed, as it can lead to complications and difficulties, or whether open tidal systems out at sea are used. We will have to examine which is the best way to go.

I also agree with the Deputy regarding the enhancement of skills in the universities in Cork and Limerick and the Marine Institute. Facilities must be developed in areas close to the energy sources. People have taken a lead in the locations mentioned by the Deputy.

I am satisfied that the ocean energy strategy set out in 2005 is on target. We are moving into the next phase, which involves pre-commercial grid connected devices. That will require a range of different supports relating to grid connection and pre-commercial support prices, which will have to be tested. I am satisfied with progress in this regard but I would not become complacent. This is complex and certain technologies may not evolve. Our options must be kept open so that we do not miss out on a technological development that may occur.

The State's role is to leverage investment and to set up the regulatory environment, grid connection and price support systems but not necessarily to be the technological developer. That is not where the Government's expertise lies. It is more likely to lie within innovative new Irish companies emerging in this area. The State will support them but it will not be the lead developer. However, the energy expertise in existing Irish companies such as Bord Gáis or the ESB could be deployed in this area. Their engineering and electricity generation skills could be used to establish what could be delivered.

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