Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last week, the Tánaiste expressed his frustration with the Government's slow rate of progress in accelerating plans and ambitions for renewable electricity and new fuels such as green hydrogen. If the programme for Government's commitments are to be realised, a Government-led hydrogen strategy is urgent. We can lead from the front on green hydrogen. This is the view of public and private energy providers, all of whom emphasise the role of green hydrogen in meeting our 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Currently, Scotland leads the way on offshore wind and published its first hydrogen strategy seven years ago. My colleague Deputy O'Rourke will introduce the hydrogen strategy Bill tomorrow. I hope that all Government parties will support it.

There is an urgent need for a comprehensive strategy with a focus on State-led investment delivering a return for the public purse and energy security. Ireland has one of the best offshore wind resources in the world. Capturing just a portion of this for the production of green hydrogen could deliver significant environmental benefits, green jobs and a return for the State. When can we expect publication of the Government's hydrogen strategy and the updated climate action plan for 2022?

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