Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of plans to develop a natural marine energy research centre in Cork Harbour adjacent to the National Maritime College. [16594/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government is giving high priority to supporting the development of Ireland's ocean energy potential. Not only will ocean energy contribute to Ireland's renewable energy targets, it has considerable potential for inward investment and enterprise activity in support of economic renewal. The research activities of the Hydraulics and Maritime Centre at University College Cork are a key part of the Ocean Energy Programme.

The Ocean Energy Unit in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is supporting University College Cork to upgrade the existing wave-basin located at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC). The facility provides research and testing facilities for a variety of offshore purposes. The upgrade of the existing facility includes new wave generating equipment, new experimental test rigs, improved workshop facilities and advanced computer solutions for numerical analysis and modelling. Expenditure on the upgrade of the facility is estimated at approximately €1 million in 2010. SEAI is also working with the UCC Marine Institute, UCC and other industry stakeholders in putting in place an enhanced management and operational structure for the HMRC reflective of its role in the national ocean energy research programme.

There are proposals for a new National Ocean Test Facility to be developed as part of a Maritime and Energy Research Centre beside the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy. These proposals would see the HMRC relocate its facilities to a site adjacent to the National Maritime College. These plans are at an early stage of development and significant work including costings remains to be carried out before firm proposals are brought forward.