Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil’s European Election candidate for the Midlands North West, has issued a response to comments by Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly regarding Senator Chambers’ position on floating offshore wind energy development off the west coast of Ireland.
“Over a year ago, I met with Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan to discuss the potential of floating offshore wind off our west coast. It is remarkable to see a representative from Galway, in the west of Ireland, and a Green Party that does not want to advance our greatest green opportunity,” Senator Chambers stated.
Senator Chambers clarified her position, emphasising her well-informed and well-briefed stance on the issue.
“I have never claimed to be an expert in wind energy—like members of the Green Party, I am a politician. However, I am thoroughly briefed on this matter, having worked on it for some time. I have consistently stated that we have at least 5-7 years of planning and preparation to do before we would be ready to commence construction. This includes necessary steps such as planning, environmental impact assessments, and mapping of the west coast.”
Senator Chambers pointed out the progress made by other countries in this area.
“Scotland finished mapping their coastline three years ago and has already granted their first commercial planning permission for floating offshore wind this year. The ESB, our own semi-state, is investing in a floating offshore project in the UK, and France is investing €4 billion, using EU funding, to develop a similar project off their coast. We are already behind in terms of the timelines for these projects.”
She criticised the Green Party’s opposition, stating the Green Party continues to muddy the waters by suggesting the technology is not ready.
“What I have always advocated for is the mapping and planning, similar to what other countries have done. It is a very small ask to begin the mapping process so that we are ready to install a project within the next decade.”
Senator Chambers expressed her disappointment with the Green Party’s stance, particularly given their role in blocking key infrastructure developments in Galway.
“Green policies have strangled the city in terms of development and investment. They have blocked the Galway Outer Bypass and the conclusion of the Rossaveel Harbour project. Yet, when we have our greatest green opportunity off the west coast, we have a Green Minister and Green Party saying no and putting up the red light. I fundamentally disagree with this policy position,” she said, adding that she was calling for a practical and forward-thinking approach.
“We must signal to the industry that we are open for business and ready to facilitate floating offshore projects. This is essential for attracting investment and ensuring that Ireland does not fall further behind in the race for green energy.”
