A Fine Gael MEP has called for EU investment in Irish ports to support development of renewable energy.
Midlands-North-West MEP Colm Markey warned that Ireland cannot achieve energy security, and consumers will continue to face unpredictable energy costs unless there’s a significant scale-up in renewable energy production.
The MEP is hosting a conference, entitled “Europe’s Energy Future: Ireland’s Opportunity,” in Dundalk Institute of Technology, this Friday (February 2nd).
“We can discuss ambitious renewable energy targets day in day out, but nobody seems to be addressing the elephant in the room,”Markey said.
“When it comes to the rollout of offshore wind development in particular, there are too many bottlenecks with no plan to address them. Our ambition is not matched with delivery, and a major re-think is needed,” he said.
“Ports such as Drogheda, Bremore, Galway and others across the country will have a vital role to play in facilitating the development of renewable energy by offering service hubs, turbine construction sites and green hydrogen production,” he said.
“It’s imperative that the EU and the Irish Government invest in Ireland’s port infrastructure,” he said, identifying this as one of five key areas requiring action.
He outlined the other four key areas as planning reform, including designation of “renewable acceleration areas” where planning consents can be expedited; expanded grid capacity’ investment in long-term skills and training; and addressing supply chain issues,including the need to “build-up local production” and ensure “abundant access to a range of raw materials.”
