Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that reply. I think everyone in the House is broadly in favour of renewable energy. The Minister of State probably knows that just as in some areas with onshore wind energy, the cost-benefit analysis and the Government invigilation of the proposals for offshore wind energy, particularly on the Kish and Codling Banks, which are just off the coast of the Ceann Comhairle's constituency, and the massive Dublin Array which is to have 145 turbines, most of which are to be 160 m high, was very remiss. The approvals were granted by a previous Minister under the Foreshore Act 1933. Where do we stand on that? I know the previous Minister published the offshore renewable energy development plan about a year ago but where do we stand in respect of the legislation? What is the situation with regard to marine spatial plans? In view of the Minister of State's reply, is it the case that a marine spatial plan could be prepared which will, in effect, lock down the Kish and Codling developments? Is it the case that the Minister of State seems to be saying that the outgoing - hopefully - Tory Government in the UK has abandoned any further major offshore proposals and interconnectors?

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