Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I am aware of the legislation to which the Deputy refers and I am of the view it will strongly inform the new planning system for the development of offshore renewable energy projects in respect of which we will be obliged to legislate. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has primary responsibility for the delivery of the new planning system to which I refer.

I take this opportunity to suggest that I could again go before the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security in order to engage in specific discussions on offshore development. This would enable us to try to arrive at a common vision with regard to what is our purpose. This is a long-term project and it will not be completed within a two to five-year timeframe. As a result, a long-term vision will be required. If the political system in this country gives a strong direction, both at home and in Europe, to the effect that it is committed to this project, that it will build the type of interconnection and offshore infrastructure - in respect of which EirGrid is already carrying out analysis and is working on delivering - required and that it will enter into negotiations with the UK, French and other governments, it will be possible to establish an exporting industry here for the long term.

We have a comparative advantage, particularly in the context of our ocean energy resource, and I am of the view that we can obtain European support. I attended the Council of Ministers meeting in Seville last week and I argued in favour of such support being provided. There is potential for us to attract EU support in respect of the type of project in which we are engaged. It would serve the country well if we could come to a political agreement on the broad, long-term approach to be taken. If such agreement is forthcoming, it will then be a matter of putting in place the necessary planning legislation.

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