Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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140. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to help support the offshore and ocean energy research and innovation as outlined in the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58650/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department, through SEAI, has supported the development of ocean technologies for 10 years, investing approximately €20 million. Since 2019, ocean and offshore energy research and innovation has been funded through SEAI’s RD&D programme.

SEAI has developed and funds test and demonstration facilities for ocean energy technologies in Ireland. The LiR National Ocean Test Facility, based in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork consists of state-of-the-art wave tanks and electrical rigs that allow for scaled testing in a controlled environment.

The Marine Institute is collaborating with SEAI, MaREI (UCC) and Bluewise Marine to develop a national test and demonstration facility in north Galway Bay, near Spiddal. This ocean energy test site is for marine energy and technology. The Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) is being developed by the SEAI to facilitate testing of full-scale wave energy converters in an open ocean environment. AMETS will be located off Annagh Head, in County Mayo and will be connected to the national grid. SEAI runs the Ocean Energy Ireland Portal, which offers a guide to marine renewable energy development in Ireland. SEAI is also part of a pan-European research consortium, funded by EU Interreg, focused on Ocean Power Innovation Network (OPIN).

To deliver on the Climate Action Plan, the SEAI is commencing the preparation of an offshore/ocean roadmap to support the development and rollout of the technologies. The roadmap will outline targets, develop pathways and establish timelines for the deployment of the technologies. It will highlight key decision points, identify enablers and establish owners of each task.