Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Offshore wind energy is a large part of the decarbonisation process and is absolutely critical. There has been no policy change. Floating wind turbines will be pursued off the west coast because the water is too deep to support fixed-base wind farms. Those of the east and south coasts, in shallower waters, will be progressed first but there has been no change. If anything, the pace has been accelerated. We will use the shortest consenting procedure we can legally obtain while being compliant with EU law. Offshore wind energy developments will be rolled out as fast as possible, and we will continue to liaise with the industry. I speak to offshore wind industry leaders at every opportunity when I am invited and will continue to correspond with them. Their concern is misplaced because there has been no policy change.

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