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

As was recognised at the World Economic Forum, the world is facing an unprecedented energy crisis. In reality, we have yet to experience the full impact of Russia's entrenched aggression against Ukraine on Europe's energy supply. Collectively, we face a massive challenge to counter climate change, forge a new path in energy production and secure a cleaner future for our island. The cornerstones of our strategy can and must be energy independence, security and affordability. The State has to be the driver of the strategy, but that is not where we are today. Earlier this year, the wind energy sector told the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, that it has absolutely no confidence in key State agencies' ability to deliver major infrastructural projects. Planning decisions are taking anything up to 12 or 24 months and not the 18 weeks provided for in law. Restoring confidence in the board will not only require significant investment in skilled personnel and restructuring. We need to see the organisation's profound cultural and governance issues addressed in full. The board's failures have major implications for major projects throughout the country. I include in that Hammerson's disastrous plan for Moore Street that the Taoiseach has championed. Will the Government publish the independent senior counsel report on receipt and set out the actions it will take to address the systemic problems at An Bord Pleanála?

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