Government inaction placing future Irish energy security and independence at risk – Pa Daly TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate, the Environment, Energy and Transport, Pa Daly TD, has criticised the government for its lack of ambition and action when it comes to offshore wind.

The Kerry TD said that without a radical reset, any hope of a secure, sustainable, affordable and independent energy system is diminishing rapidly.

Teachta Daly said:

“The government’s approach to off-shore wind to date has frankly been abysmal.

“The process has been mired in planning delays, deferred auctions and timing out of grid contracts.

“As if this wasn’t bad enough, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have elected to pursue a strategy which is predicated on private ownership – predominantly by foreign developers – ensuring that benefits are syphoned off into the hands of large corporations.

“Meanwhile, ordinary workers and families continue to suffer under cripplingly high bills as the excessive commercialisation of energy continues.

“The flaw in government’s approach is also borne out by the fact that we still have no Marine Protected Areas legislation despite repeated promises in the lifetime of this government and the last that it would be published imminently.

“Similarly, the process of issuing Designated Maritime Area Plans has been painstakingly slow.

“Recently, Minister Darragh O’Brien claimed the government would identify up to 20 sites for offshore wind all at one by 2027. Given that it took over 18 months before the South Coast DMAP, which contained four sites, ever saw the light of day, I am more than skeptical of this recent spate of kite-flying.

“No one denies that we absolutely must rapidly identify new sites for off-shore wind. However, what we need is an actual plan for how we get there rather than just a proposed destination. We also need to know whether there are sufficient resources and staffing to meet this ambition.

“So far, the Minister has failed to provide this.

“That is the hallmark of this government – setting targets without any plans for how to achieve them. An ambitious goal is important, but what ultimately matters is if you deliver it.

“It is an indictment of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that they have thus far completely failed to seize on the 640GW of untapped energy potential off our shores – the biggest natural offshore wind resource in Europe.

“Despite this incredible natural resource, we are way behind our European friends and neighbours.

“The government needs to get serious about the delivery of Irish energy independence, affordability and security. Acceleration is one key part of this. But it is not the only part.

“The transition to renewable energy does not, in itself, result in gains being passed on to Irish society. It does however present the perfect opportunity to reform the energy market so that our renewable resources are for the benefit of all.

“That is why in Sinn Féin, as well as accelerating the transition, would reorient the energy market away from excessive private profiteering and rising bills and towards increased democratic ownership, affordable energy and an energy market that serves the common good.”