Fianna Fáil Senator Dee Ryan has called on the Government to move faster in harnessing Ireland’s potential in floating offshore wind energy, urging Ministers to accelerate key infrastructure investments.
Raising this in the Seanad with Tánaiste Simon Harris just hours after President Trump's announcement of tariffs on the EU, she stressed the need to “control the controllables” to safeguard Ireland’s competitiveness.
“The potential fallout from a trade war makes the Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure more important than ever. We must control the controllables by accelerating investments in key infrastructure such as water, road, rail, and energy grids to future-proof our economy,” said Senator Ryan.
She highlighted Ireland’s significant natural wind energy resources off the west coast and called for the accelerated zoning of marine areas in the deep Atlantic to facilitate floating wind farm development.
Senator Ryan also emphasised the critical role of the Port of Foynes at Shannon Estuary, urging increased investment in ports along the west coast to support the offshore wind sector.
She said, “We need to act now to strengthen our electricity grid at Moneypoint and Tarbert and ensure our ports are equipped to support this new industry. Without these upgrades, we risk losing investment to other countries that are moving faster.
“I’m pleased to see a commitment in the Programme for Government to fast-track offshore wind by prioritising the publication of Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs). But now we need action, resourcing the relevant agencies, using the new Planning Act to speed up developments, and ensuring a regionally balanced approach to port upgrades.
"To make all of this achievable, we need to invest in the skills and workforce required to build and sustain this new industry. The University of Limerick and TUS have a crucial role to play in developing the expertise needed, and we must work closely with them to ensure we are preparing people for the opportunities ahead.
“This is a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity. We must ensure Irish companies are positioned to benefit, creating jobs and securing long-term investment.''
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