David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with reference to the recently published Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020, the potential regarding wave and tidal energy respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30689/12]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with reference to the recently published Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020, the way his Department and State agencies are supporting the development of wave and tidal energy respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30690/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 119 together.

A key priority under the ocean energy strategy is to increase the research and design capabilities in ocean energy in Ireland. Wave and tidal technology is still at the RD&D stage globally and is not yet a commercially viable technology.

The Ocean Energy Development Unit was established in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in 2008 to take forward the Ocean Energy Programme. The SEAI and the Marine Institute established an Ocean Energy Test Site for quarter scale prototypes of wave energy devices in Galway Bay. Two companies have tested at the site to date. The site is also being used in conjunction with the Smart Bay project being taken forward by the Marine Institute.

The wave-tank facility at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC) University College Cork, is Ireland's centre of excellence in ocean energy research, modelling and technical support for early stage device developers.

The SEAI has provided support for the enhancement of the wave research capabilities at HMRC through upgrading of the existing wave tank test facility at HMRC prior to its becoming the National Ocean Test Facility (NOTF), as a key strategic component of the Irish Maritime and Energy Research Cluster (IMERC) in Ringaskiddy, Cork.

The Prototype Development Fund administered by the SEAI supports the development of wave and tidal device prototypes and associated supporting technologies. A total of 33 projects have received funding. Of these, 21 projects have been completed and 11 are in the process of completion.

Work is also continuing on the pre-planning stages for the potential development of a grid connected pre-commercial full scale prototype test site off County Mayo.

The development bodies under the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation are also involved in developing and assisting the ocean energy sector as part of their clean technology development drive. Ocean Energy has been identified as a priority in the research prioritisation exercise.

My Department is finalising an Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan, which is underpinned by a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura Impact Assessment of Irish waters that was commissioned by the SEAI.