Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the response and update. I am very passionate about offshore wind generation but Ireland has a significant success story to tell in the delivery of onshore wind generation, which I would like to see us continue. The key to our success as a potential clean energy exporter is for us to staff, equip, fund and deliver on the commitments we have given and we can only do that with MARA.

What is the capacity of the organisation? I fully accept that it has only been established for six months but what is the capacity of the organisation to help us meet our 2030 targets? As I am sure the Minister of State will accept, it is looking highly unlikely that we will reach our 5 GW offshore wind target. It is not for the lack of trying or ambition. It is primarily down to the bogged down process we have developed over generations when it came to planning. MARA is a fresh look and a fresh take and that has been required. I commend the Minister of State and his Department on the work they are doing but it is crucial that they are funded appropriately and provided with the necessary level of expertise to get this job done in order that we can close the loop and ensure the MACs the Minister of State has mentioned are successful in the first place.

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