Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. Is he aware that there is a potential carbon-neutral development proposed off Barryroe in west Cork? There is the potential to develop a gas field which is not only capable of continuing the supply we currently have from the Corrib field but is also capable of delivering a unique carbon capture and storage facility in County Cork, which could make us leaders in carbon reduction. The Barryroe site and its development could create jobs similar to the Corrib site, which created more than 1,200 for people in the area. These jobs were in harbours, villages, hotels and shops in the local area. How can the Government simply discount that potential for County Cork and for the south west of Ireland? Several weeks ago we spoke about investment in the area and there is a viable offering with a capital investment of €3 billion, which has been marginalised because of political posturing.

With the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, Ireland is now more reliant on imported energy than ever before. Energy independence is further from our reach and the recent policy changes have severely curtailed our ability to develop indigenous natural energy resources that offer lower greenhouse gas emissions and greater energy security than the imposed sources on which we are increasingly reliant. The reliance is only one issue. Pricing will become a bigger one for families and businesses across Ireland as we become more marginalised in relation to our energy. There is the potential to have this Barryroe field up and running in a very short space of time if co-operation by the Government is forthcoming and everybody works together. This will be a game changer nationally and in south-west Cork. Will the Tánaiste ensure this happens? We cannot continue to import when we have it at our own doorstep.

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