Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the huge potential of offshore wind energy to bring Ireland to a more carbon-friendly place and to make sure we meet our international obligations. This will be very lucrative in its construction phase. We heard many people on the airwaves over the Easter recess saying that the Irish ports are not configured at this time to be able to build or tow into place the infrastructure required, particularly for floating offshore wind platforms. What would the Minister say to that? We are also quite concerned in County Clare that the offshore designation we have for wind energy is far smaller than in other parts of the west. The greatest wind corridor hitting our west coast comes in by the Loop Head lighthouse and up along the Shannon Estuary. That is the area Ireland should prioritise for offshore wind. We already have the kV transmission lines from Moneypoint and that is where it should happen. I would really like to hear how the Government will support ports and harbours because if we do not take this opportunity, the likes of Rotterdam or Bremen will step in and seize this lucrative development opportunity.

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