Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----but I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. This matter was billed as being for the Minister for Transport, but I know that the Minister of State is very competent and able and has his hand across all aspects of government.

My matter relates to the ambitious Galway hydrogen valley project. On 14 April 2022, I met, as did a number of Oireachtas Members, with the Taoiseach at the Port of Galway conference on renewable energies and the opportunities particularly for the west of Ireland. The Taoiseach spoke very supportively not only of the Galway hydrogen valley project but also of hydrogen generally and the challenges that face our ports.

Interestingly, I read in one of the national newspapers last weekend that there are still huge challenges, particularly with the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, which, basically, will be the marine planning authority in time. I read about how we need to be prepared, ready and responsive to the challenges of renewables.

The Port of Galway has a plan or project called the Galway hydrogen hub, GH2 for short. It has enormous potential and is a game-changer for the west. I support it and commend the Port of Galway on its ambitious plans for the first hydrogen valley. The hydrogen valley recognises the ecosystems that link hydrogen, research, production, distribution and transport for end users as well as the challenges facing all those associated with this project. Everything is doable, however, and that came out very much at the conference. The potential is enormous, as I said, for the hydrogen valley in Galway. It will deal with and enable renewable strategies. Sustainability and decarbonisation are key objectives for the Government and are now at the very heart of public transport policy, and that is important. I acknowledge genuinely the Government's progressive steps in this area across all Departments in respect of renewable energies. The focus, as the Taoiseach said, is on supporting this project in Galway. It is very well supported by the private sector, industry, Galway City Council and all the stakeholders, and they were present in large numbers at that conference and engagement with the Taoiseach. The challenges in this regard, as I said, are renewable energies. It is clear there is a future for sustainable growth. This is clearly an exciting project.

Finally, I pay tribute to the Port of Galway and its board, the city councillors and the stakeholders, who are really committed to this hydrogen valley plan for Galway. When I left for the west for those few days and visited a number of sites, it was clear to me that the region is energised and, indeed, that the west is awake. This is a wonderful project. I would like to hear what plans, energy and focus the Department of Transport is giving to this very important project.