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

I thank the Minister of State. Regarding offshore energy, many companies and people are making great strides already in this field. I commend Shannon-Foynes Port for the work it has done to date and for its Vision 2041 strategy that laid out in detail many of the challenges and potential available from offshore energy, especially in the mid-west region. The port is in proximity to the offshore wind resources. It has the deep-water port that is needed and the necessary development land nearby. It is well-suited, with the necessary supports, to lead the way in this potentially enormously beneficial economic sector. One of the scenarios outlined was an expectation that by 2050 the area could create 30 GW of floating offshore wind energy, potentially attracting direct and indirect investment of up to €90 billion, which is a massive opportunity for Ireland. In March 2023 the enterprise, trade and employment committee, which I chair, issued a report on renewable energy. The report was issued following a visit to Belfast Harbour to see its D1 facility and following engagement with numerous stakeholders. As the Minister of State is probably well aware, Belfast Harbour is the only port on the island of Ireland that currently has the capacity to provide the construction and marshalling services needed for offshore wind energy. He might address that.

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