Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he is considering in relation to the development of wave and tidal power; the timeframe for the launch of the new national energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I will publish an ocean energy strategy shortly, which will outline a development path for ocean energy technology in Ireland. The development of ocean energy possibilities is currently being progressed by Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, and the Marine Institute. Demonstration projects and studies funded to date include: research and development support for three separate wave energy device developers, including support for wave tank testing of model devices; assessment of the tidal energy resource; assessment of the wave energy resource; development of a quarter scale test site in Galway Bay; assessment of economic benefits from development of ocean energy; and participation in IEA ocean energy implementing agreement.

I will publish an energy policy consultation paper by mid year which will set out medium and long-term perspectives for national energy policy and which will take account of the considerable and complex challenges for future Irish energy policy.