Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

There is a certain amount of concern at the approach now being adopted to the €26 million that was announced not long ago with such positive statements by the Minister. As I understand it, the only Irish prototype that is connected to a grid is connected to the British grid. Are the 20 applications all of Irish origin? The Minister said that approximately €4 million can be provided for the seven successful applicants. Can he confirm that the money will be available to them or is he saying that it is up to the Department of Finance? This is pioneering work and there must be some certainty for people who are, in effect, taking a step into the dark. Is the Minister saying the €4 million grant aid is subject to the Department of Finance stranglehold? Looking ahead, can the Minister say when he expects the first project to be connected to the Irish grid? What is the calculated date for connection?

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