Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Wind Energy Ireland issued its report this morning highlighting that 41% of the electricity required in January 2023 was driven by wind. It is the best January on record and is a 9% jump on this time last year. Predominantly offshore wind energy generated 1,479 GW of electricity which is equivalent to the consumption of 320,000 Irish homes. The wind energy potential of Ireland provides us with a huge opportunity but we are in a race with other countries to secure material supply routes among other things. The development of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, is crucial for our ability to scale up our offshore wind offering. The State has a commitment to get MARA up and running in 2023. I ask the Taoiseach to provide an update on the development of MARA. When will it begin its vital work?

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