Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his target for ocean energy technology; when the licence for the grid application was made; when the licence was granted; the number of applications received; the amount of the €26 million announced for ocean energy that will be spent in total for 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43361/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Ireland's ocean energy strategy is being overseen and implemented by the Ocean Energy Development Unit in Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) working with my Department and in partnership with all key players.

Ocean energy technologies are still at the research and development phase globally. Work towards the commercialisation of ocean energy technology continues in Ireland and abroad. The Government has set a target of 500MW from ocean energy technology by 2020.

The Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) is working on the establishment of a grid connected wave energy test facility. In June 2009 an application was submitted for an exploratory foreshore licence which was awarded in September. The foreshore licence allows for site investigation works at the planned proposed test site location off Annagh Head, Co. Mayo.

Sustainable Energy Ireland through the Prototype Development Fund has approved funding support totalling €4.35m for 12 projects from over 30 expressions of interest received. Aimed at stimulating the development and deployment of ocean energy devices that can generate renewable electricity, the funding will enable the companies to take their proposals and prototypes to the next stage of development.

The expenditure for the ocean energy programme is projected to be in the order of €6 million in 2009. Funding for 2010 will be determined in the Estimates process.