“The dual imperative of decarbonising our energy systems for our climate and breaking our reliance on imported fossil fuels presents a real opportunity for Ireland. We must work quickly to harness our abundant renewable energy resources; we have a sea area that is seven times bigger than our landmass and we are home to Europe’s best wind speeds.

"I believe Ireland can become energy independent within a generation. This is our moonshot, giving us energy security and price stability and creating new jobs and industries in all parts of the country, as well as reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. While the scale of the transition to a low carbon economy may seem daunting, we have made considerable progress in recent years and must now build on this so that we can all benefit from the opportunities.”

“Ireland must embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie before us. I am acutely aware of the profound, existential threats that climate change is already presenting across the globe. Ireland will not be unaffected by this, and we must play our full part in lowering our emissions. Decarbonisation of energy is one way of reducing emissions while benefitting from emerging industries and employment opportunities.

"Security of electricity supply is central to this low-carbon transition. An increasing focus on renewables will secure our own energy independence, and unlock great potential for sustainable economic growth.”

“Ireland can and will be good at this transition to a more secure, cleaner and cost-effective way of powering our economy, our homes, our buildings and our transport. We are already one of the leading countries in the world for integrating onshore wind onto our grid.

"Last year, Ireland’s wind farms provided more than a third of the country’s electricity and we are continuing to invest heavily in our electricity infrastructure in order to accommodate increasing proportions of renewable energy from wind and solar over the coming decade and beyond.

"There is no turning back. We signed an agreement for the first interconnector to France last year and we are strengthening our interconnection with the UK. We successfully launched the first offshore wind auction a few months ago and are preparing for phases two and three. It makes such sense for Ireland to harness our own clean, economical, indigenous power rather than remain ransomed to dirty, expensive and unreliable fossil fuels.”

“Ireland’s energy transition is a key to our competitiveness and attractiveness as a place for local and global business. Energy security and, increasingly, availability of renewables, has and will put Ireland in a strong position to be at the forefront of the next wave of industrialisation, digitalisation and decarbonisation.

"I am working with colleagues across Government to ensure that businesses can play their part in our pathway to net zero emissions, and I have established a dedicated Unit in my department to progress an Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind. Our energy system transformation is already underway, and today’s event has highlighted the opportunities available to Ireland if we in government, industry, and broader society, can work together to deliver on them.”