Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Approximately €1 million was spent on the ocean energy programme in 2008. The grant aid programme for companies is one element of a wide-ranging suite of initiatives intended to accelerate and strengthen the development of ocean energy technologies in Ireland. These are managed by the ocean energy development unit, which is located at Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI.

The ocean energy grant aid programme for industry was launched publicly in August last. Responses were processed during September and October and full applications were sought during November. Agreement on funding levels in accordance with EU State aid rules is now being finalised and the first contracts will be issued in a matter of weeks. I am advised that the pace of expenditure will accelerate, increasing to around €7 million in 2009. This will contribute to the delivery of the Government's high priority goal of supporting the development of Ireland's ocean energy potential in a reasonable timeframe.

The ocean energy development unit was established last year within SEI. The unit manages the ocean energy strategy and administers the substantial funding provided for the benefit of researchers and project developers. The unit commenced the grant aid programme in its first year. It has also invested in the creation of a state-of-the-art national ocean energy facility at University College Cork, which work will continue into 2009. It is also managing the development of a grid-connected wave energy test site off the west coast. In addition, in the same period, the unit has established an advisory group comprising my Department, the Commission for Energy Regulation, the coastal zone management division, Enterprise Ireland, EirGrid, ESB Networks, IDA Ireland, the Marine Institute and Science Foundation Ireland to co-ordinate the activities of these agencies in developing and delivering an efficient roadmap for ocean energy. The unit has also commenced work on the delivery of studies of common interest to the sector, including a study on the engineering and specialist support requirements for the sector to enhance Ireland's capability to maximise participation in the construction and operation of wave and tidal systems; a review of the planning regime for ocean energy development; a strategic environmental assessment for ocean energy in Irish waters; an investigation of partnership with industry for data gathering and processing; and a detailed review of the macro-economic benefits that ocean energy can deliver for Ireland.

The delays in launching the grant aid programme have not diverted us from the ten-year development plan set out in our ocean energy strategy. These technologies are very much at research and development phases, and devices are using different approaches to try to generate electricity from the ocean. The ocean energy unit is working closely with developers to develop and finalise their project applications. I am satisfied that all components of the ocean energy package are now under way and are being advanced at a pace consistent with the priority the Government attaches to this area. I am confident this programme will greatly assist in realising Ireland's huge potential in this area and will allow us to meet the Government's target of generating 500 MW of ocean energy by 2020.

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