Limerick Chamber president believes Foynes Port can help Ireland become 'battery of Europe’

CORRECTLY utilising the offshore wind energy at Foynes Port can help Ireland become “the battery of Europe”.

That’s the view of the president of the Limerick Chamber Donal Cantillon, who said the county can lead the way in the reduction in reliance of Russian oil.

During his keynote address at the Limerick Chamber business awards, the accountant acknowledged one of the greatest crises facing Ireland is the cost of energy.

“I am delighted to say Limerick Chamber has been very active in this space and have made various submissions and recommendations to government regarding our energy security,” the president said.

“While weaning ourselves off coal, oil and gas is a global challenge, it also presents incredible opportunities for the Mid-West region and in particular Foynes, specifically in the area of energy generated by off-shore wind, backed up by mega-batteries and interconnection, and of course green hydrogen – the home-produced fuel of the future that can replace natural gas,” said Mr Cantillon.

“We can go from being an energy importer to being ‘the battery of Europe’, an energy exporter with all the benefits that come with it – greater energy security, price stability, employment and regional development,” he added.

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Nick Rabbittsnick@limerickleader.ie

In January, the Limerick Chamber will host an energy conference which will bring key people around the table in a bid to develop the offshore capabilities at Foynes.

Further along the estuary, Mr Cantillon also said the Chamber supports New Fortress Energy and its liquid natural gas project planned for Ballylongford in North Kerry.

That project is currently off the table, with the Green Party insisting it not be placed in the programme for government.

Mr Cantillon says the Chamber sees it as a “transition fuel” to ensure both short-to-medium term energy demands are met on the road to green energy.