Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's concern, particular as brought forward the Marine Planning Act that was passed by this House. The Deputy is right there are great advantages for this country. There is a real need to expand our offshore renewable energy, ORE, capability. Indeed, there are very clear benefits for our communities and for our country. Public consultation with stakeholders is crucially important, including with fishers. I know there has been consultation with the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, and others and with fishers right the way across the areas we are looking for DMAPs to be done and where we are looking for future ORE redevelopment. I expect that consultation will continue. I will not get into the space of compensation yet, but that would be something I expect will be dealt with through the process. Our fishers are obviously know our maritime area better than anyone else, and they will also understand the importance of energy security and stability and of ORE to our country. I want to make sure that all stakeholders can work on this.

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