Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I again agree wholeheartedly. There is no doubt there is a race on and it is not just on in Ireland, but right across Europe and globally. The resources the Deputy spoke about are therefore required across the world. Ireland is competing in a very competitive market for the expertise required. The Department has worked on giving certainty to the sector. The delivery of offshore renewables is interrelated with the marine environment, special protection areas for birds and all those areas. We are working to ensure our offshore renewables can work in a way that is compatible with the protection of marine biodiversity. The State will certainly not be found wanting in the provision of resources. The issue is one of trying to attract the skilled professionals we need and, as I said, it is a competitive sector because all countries are in the race to totally decarbonise. The State will continue that ambition into the future.

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