Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that huge work is happening in this space. From engagements with ports and industry it is known that ports and private entities are engaging in their own commercial discussions with ORE project developers to underpin the business case for port infrastructure developments, progression of the projects and timelines. It remains subject to the results of the auctions. On the CEF funding, this is significant now that it has been included. Again I want to commend the officials in my Department for including ORE and for fighting the fight at European level to ensure the CEF funding will include offshore renewable energy. The successful applicants can obtain grant funding of up to 50% of eligible costs for studies and 30% of infrastructure work costs. While Irish port projects were unsuccessful in 2021 in the CEF call, ports are preparing new applications for the 2022 CEF call. It is a competitive process and the Department is assisting those eligible applicants where appropriate. A lot of work is happening between the ports and industry, which is crucial. The funding must go to the right places and it must be guided through that engagement with industry.

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