A European election candidate and former Port of Cork chairman says plans at Rosslare and Cork Ports must be accelerated to enable the construction and maintenance of the offshore wind farms.
Former Bord Gais Éireann chief executive John Mullins, who is standing for Fine Gael in the European elections in the Ireland South constituency, made his comments after the Government published the location of four areas off the south coast were identified for offshore wind development in the State's Draft "DMAP" on Friday.
"I welcome the progress of the Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) process. As part of this process, four sites have been chosen for wind farms: two off the Waterford coast and two off south Wexford", Mullins said.
"It is wonderful to see progress here as Ireland needs to advance in this area but it is vital that we get the accompanying grid plans from EirGrid and that new interconnections are considered," he added.
"Proper resources need to be put in place to enable the projects to get through foreshore and planning", he said
Mullins said it is important that this €1bn per annum opportunity sticks to the proposed timetable and that it is enabled by an all Government approach.
"Plans at Rosslare and Cork Ports must also be accelerated to enable the construction and maintenance of the offshore wind farms" he said.
He added, "We also need to ensure proper engagement with fishermen and other maritime interests so that these projects can be a success for all.