Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Má chuireann muid an méid sin go léir ar an mbille atá Sinn Féin ag tabhairt do mhuintir na hÉireann, níl sin sásúil. Caithfidh Sinn Féin féachaint arís ar na tuairimí atá á nochtadh aige.

Maidir le cúrsaí pleanála, níl eolas cruinn agam maidir leis an scéal a d'inis an Seanadóir faoin mbean i gConamara.

Is cuma cén áit sa tír atá duine, tá sé sofheicthe go bhfuil cúrsaí pleanála transparent. Tá córas ann agus mura bhfuil duine sásta leis an gcóras, is féidir dul chuig An Bord Pleanála chun ceist a chur faoin ábhar. Ina dhiaidh sin, is féidir dul chuig na cúirteanna. Mar sin, ní féidir a rá go bhfuil córas "nod and a wink" ann.

This is a very useful debate. However, the Sinn Féin motion is based on a misapprehension regarding the nature of our transition to renewable energy and towards developing the green infrastructure we require as a State. It is important to recognise that our transition to renewable energy affords us the opportunity to use our abundant indigenous resources to meet our own energy needs, while also ensuring compliance with our legally binding EU targets. It creates a hedge against the volatility of fossil fuel prices and improves our security of supply. In view of the situation in Ukraine and the possibility of it getting out of hand, as it almost did recently, and of a threat to gas supplies to Europe and in the face of such geopolitics, the more we can develop our indigenous industry, the better for us. Clearly, our industry must meet all the legal and other requirements.

EirGrid's plan between now and 2025 is a major initiative which will put in place a safe, secure and affordable electricity system, the purpose of which is to ensure that the country will have a grid fit for purpose, one that will meet the current and future needs of our economy. Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about providing for this country and I understand he is opposed to the North-South interconnector. I believe he is wrong if he is, because the North is very much part of our country. We are on the same island.