Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I have raised the concerns referred to in the Act Now report previously. Renewable energy has the potential to be a vital new source of revenue and energy for our market. The development of the sector is our chance to eventually become energy independent. We can either harness renewable energy and export any excess we do not need or we can import energy from abroad. That is the choice we have to make. We need a further commitment to delivering the changes needed to improve our energy grid and planning processes. To do this, we need policy development that will work in harmony with our national grid structure. We need an uptick in the training of planners and a rapid expansion of our energy grid.

Investment in renewable energy is our ticket to a better Ireland. We need to refocus our efforts to ensure that both offshore and onshore wind energy opportunities are grasped. As a native of Limerick, I have a particular interest in the development of Foynes Port and the surrounding area to accommodate offshore wind energy. I urge the Government to do all in its power to address the challenges raised in this deeply concerning report.

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