I thank the Minister of State for his response. There is alarm because the Department has done a U-turn on phase 2 projects. Phase 2 involves the next tranche of projects to help deliver on the climate targets for 2030. The industry was assured it would include floating offshore wind projects off the south and west coasts. These have been primed by credible developers who have committed to invest considerable resources in preparing for the opportunity. Will the Minister of State confirm the current situation? Is the Government still committed to allowing the floating offshore wind developments to go ahead, as committed to by the Minister, Deputy Ryan, or has there been a change in policy? This is extremely serious for the industry.
The designated marine area plans for the delineation of zones for the projects in question should be treated in the same way as those for bottom-fixed technology. This would ensure the areas achieve go-to area status under REPowerEU enabling instruments. I urge the Minister of State and Government to clarify this urgently because it is causing considerable confusion and a lack of confidence in what the Government is doing.