Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister.

It is critical to the development of offshore wind energy and to ensuring that we can reach our 2030 climate action plan targets. Without them, we are unable to proceed further with developing the east and south-east coast projects needed to decarbonise Ireland's energy supply.

The reason I want to speak to the Minister about this is that on Monday I was in Carlow where I was delighted to attend the launch by the South East Technological University, SETU, of the first strategic plan. The establishment of the university of the south east, as the House will be aware, happened on 1 May 2022. It was a huge achievement for the south-east, particularly for Carlow. It has a very positive plan in the SETU, at the centre of the south east of Ireland's innovation region, in which the university plays a major role in the civic, social and cultural development not only of the region, but also for the country. It has a clear vision for the future educational needs of our region and how the SETU will become a transformative global university.

It is important we have its plan. The SETU plans to enhance its innovative ecosystem in offshore renewable energy industries and technologies to support regional development priorities. This is so important. It will develop an international strategy that will engage and develop transnational partnership including offshore-linked provision. I know the SETU will have a key role in Ireland's climate action policy. I will work with it.

That goes to show what role we in the south east with our universities can play in this in education and communication. I welcomed this on Monday. It was absolutely huge. I note that there were four launches in the south east, in Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford. I am sure the other speakers will say the same. I just felt it was really important that we in the south east play our role.

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