Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have heard the Taoiseach describe offshore wind generation, in particular floating wind generation, as our "moonshot", notwithstanding that the industry was taken aback by the announcement in February that phase 2 would be limited to the south and east coasts and to anchored wind only. Nevertheless it is hoped to have 2 GW of offshore wind generation in development by 2030. That will require a phase 3 policy to be announced and that is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. It will also require the announcement of routes to market, which is scheduled for 2024. Most importantly, it will require a designated maritime area plan, DMAP, or the mapping of areas off the west, as well as the south - although currently it is limited to the south - to be done quickly. Where are we with that? Other countries are moving ahead and investment is going to other countries. We are letting this apparent opportunity pass us by as a State.

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