Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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68. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration has been given to investing in Bantry Bay for development as a hub for renewal energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27539/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The implementation of a robust, globally recognised offshore renewable energy (ORE) industry in Ireland is crucial to meeting our international and national climate and energy targets.

As reiterated in the Future Framework for ORE Policy Statement, Ireland has set ambitious goals of 20GW of ORE by 2040 and at least 37GW by 2050. This will include the facilitation of floating offshore wind – to which Ireland’s west coast is particularly well suited – and the establishment of renewable energy hubs across the country.

Renewable energy hubs seek to align ORE generation with demand offtake including the transmission grid, large energy users, renewable hydrogen development, and other opportunities for industrial demand. My Department has committed to exploring renewable energy hub development which will maximise infrastructural efficiencies and energy security.

Broadly, port development policy is developed by the Department of Transport. However, construction and investment in specific areas, like the privately owned Bantry Bay port, is the responsibility of private port companies and industry in collaboration with regional authorities and local communities. The conditions of these potential hubs must be explored in accordance with national legislation and planning procedures, including environmental considerations.

DECC does not provide guidance for specific facilities but sets national policy to facilitate development at strategic locations. Future alignment policy is being developed in collaboration with EirGrid, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and industry representatives.

My Department will continue to accelerate the deployment of ORE in these prime locations through the development of strong policy and consideration of national support mechanisms.