Senator Chambers’ off-shore wind claims are just hot air, says Minister

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has pushed back on Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers’ series of claims about off-shore wind and described them as misinformed and inaccurate.

The Green Party leader said the European Parliament candidate in her electioneering in recent days has made numerous claims that the progress of floating off-shore wind along the West Coast is being impeded or is not being progressed by him.

Senator Chambers stated earlier this week that Minister Ryan is refusing to pull the trigger on the starting gun that would transform Ireland into a global renewable energy giant, delivering its greatest economic dividend in the process.

“The issue here is very simple. Ireland has among the best winds in the world, floating wind energy investors are itching to get at it, but they cannot because the minister is refusing to allow zoning of the west coast," she added.

However, Minister Ryan has defended himself and insisted the claims are not correct.

He said just last week he launched the Future Framework for Off-Shore Wind, which is the country’s evidenced based strategy for harnessing wind in the Atlantic Seas from 2030.

Minister Ryan also launched the DMAPs or Designated Maritime Area Plans for the South Coast, which signals the start of the country’s plan-led development of our wind resource.

He insisted that Senator Chamber's claims are not giving an accurate assessment of what’s viable now.

“I would more than anyone love to see floating off-shore wind deployment today because that is our big opportunity, but I’m sorry, I have to inform some of our colleagues in Government that it’s not yet commercial, it’s not yet technically available and it’s not viable today,” he added.

Minister Ryan has criticised Senator Chamber's claims.

“To say to the West of Ireland, if only we had a Minister who was willing to bet on that. That’s not honest with people, that’s not giving an accurate assessment of what’s viable and what’s cost effective," he said. "It will be, and when it is, we will be ready. "

Minister Ryan said they have their evidenced-based Future Framework and they launched the Shannon Foynes Taskforce report last year, which focuses on the potential of that port location.

"We will continue with testing for off-shore floating which we are already doing off our West Coast and we will continue to co-operate with other countries who are also working in this area.

“In the meantime, what we do have, and what will benefit the entire country, is huge potential for fixed bottom off-shore wind along our East and South Coasts and also off our West Coast.

"And that’s not just me or the Department talking. That’s the leading players in the market, and I think they are correct.

"So, we will focus on fixed bottom first and we will absolutely be on the cutting edge with regard to Atlantic wind, leading out on the potential for floating turbines.”