Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Earlier, the Taoiseach referred to the prospect of energy independence for Ireland as the moonshot of the 21st century. I raise with him the fact that yesterday we learnt that 95% of industry experts believe that, in fact, we will sail right past our 2030 target of 80% of our energy being from renewable sources. I raise with him concerns about the recent RESS 3 auction, which cleared the smallest amounts at the very highest price ever, with a real risk of the renewable pipeline running dry. I ask him again about the difficulties within the planning system that see some projects stuck for over 90 weeks in that system, with the distinct possibility that they run out of the RESS contract. None of this inspires great confidence. While the Taoiseach talks about moonshots and talks a big game, can he tell us when we will see the accelerated progress and the real initiatives and purpose that will be necessary to achieve that end?

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