Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised a fair issue with regard to the ports and offshore wind that I did not address in my original response.

However, there are plans on that which involve the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Ryan, working with the various port authorities on the submission of business plans for the offshore wind industry. The west coast in particular will have to develop offshore wind capacity in the ports themselves. It does not affect the Deputy's area or region but approximately €230 million was allocated this week for the signing of a contract for massive port development at Rosslare. There will need to be very significant investment in our ports to avail of the offshore wind energy and obviously the western seaboard will have to benefit from that.

As regards the other projects and the Industrial Development Authority, IDA, park in Athenry and so on, we are consistently saying to the IDA that we want a balanced regional economic development. Key to that will be continued inward investment. The west has some very strong companies which are good exemplars for other companies to follow in respect of high quality jobs delivery.

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