Fianna Fáil Senator in Clare and Seanad Spokesperson on Climate Action, Timmy Dooley, has said that floating offshore wind has great potential, not just for Ireland’s economic development and future energy needs, but also to power large parts of Europe from Ireland.
Senator Dooley made the comments at the ‘Powering the Future: Liberal Energy Forum’ today in Ennis. Senator Dooley, as co-president of the ALDE party, worked closely with Ennis Chamber to bring the Forum to Co Clare.
Speakers at the Forum included European Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson, Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, Billy Kelleher MEP, key industry stakeholders including the ESB, Shannon Foynes Port, IBEC and several Ministerial and Parliamentary attendees from countries including Spain, Latvia and Sweden alongside a number of further key industry leaders.
The Forum included discussions on climate change and the potential of renewable energies to accelerate the sustainable transition. Sessions focused on decarbonising heavy industry and agriculture, decarbonising transport, diversifying energy sources beyond fossil fuels and financing the energy transition.
Senator Dooley said: “I am delighted to have brought the Liberal Energy Forum to Clare as ALDE Co-President, having worked very closely with Ennis Chamber to hold it here in Ennis.
“The Forum showcased the enormous opportunity that exists in generating electricity from floating offshore wind turbines to key political stakeholders from Ireland and around the world.
“Bringing the Forum to Ennis is significant for the town, the wider region and the country as Ireland works to further establish its global leadership in floating offshore wind energy.
“The plans to convert the Moneypoint power station into a green energy hub are placing Clare at the centre of Ireland’s offshore energy strategy and will be transformational for the county, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.
“Electricity generation from floating offshore wind turbines is a key part of our national energy and environmental strategy. Over the course of the Forum I was delighted to both chair and listen to discussions on the vital role of floating offshore wind in achieving the EU’s climate objectives, what the EU has done in the area to date and future challenges that lie ahead.”