Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen TD has warned of a looming energy supply crisis if An Bord Pleanála do not begin to urgently fast-track planning for renewable energy projects, specifically offshore wind.

Mr Cowen has said that we are in a "perfect energy storm" as the population and the industrial requirement for energy such as data centres have increased. Alongside these increases, there is also the commitment to achieve 80 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

In a statement, the European Election Candidate in the Midlands North West stated: "The body responsible for delivering planning for renewable projects is already overrun with capital projects and frankly does not have the experience or expertise to deliver it urgently.

"This week alone, two separate leaders in innovation have told me of difficulties with accessing energy and connecting to EirGrid as a major stranglehold for development. Our lack of energy security is quite literally stifling our economic growth. We know our population is growing and we also know the volatility of the energy market since the beginning of the war on Ukraine.

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"Offshore wind is the solution here, our vast, untapped natural resource. To get electricity, first of all, we have to get turbines onto the seabed, we have to get a grid to link up to the national grid, and we have to have a supply chain that can service and construct those three elements. Before any of that can happen, An Bord Pleanála has to approve planning. They are already overrun with national infrastructure projects and they have no experience with marine ecology.

"Unless An Bord Pleanála focus a specific unit on offshore wind immediately, there is no doubt in my mind that an energy crisis is looming. The system is already under ferocious pressure and the continued war in Ukraine is of concern. To achieve energy security, offshore wind turbines must be in situ within the next two years. This will not be achieved without a clear and urgent focus by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for these projects so construction can begin with haste.

"Energy security is an absolute priority of mine. If elected to the European Union I will champion a pan-European Urgent Energy Response Unit tasked with providing the planning and construction expertise needed to deliver renewable energy projects in Ireland and indeed across Europe urgently.

"We have a serious issue with our electricity supply. And in this particular region, there is a complete lack of infrastructure to ensure that the potential of our offshore wind becoming a reality. We need investment, we need fast-track planning, and we need to ensure that our energy future can be realised. If the sun shines most in Spain and Italy, then we must feed into a system where the wind blows strongest.

"Renewable energy is a gift horse, it is environmentally sound, it strengthens our own supply and it offers an opportunity to generate up to €300bn for our economy by 2050. The tribes of the West can power Europe instead of the Tsars of Europe."

During an event at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone on Wednesday at 8pm, Mr Cowen will address energy security as a key focus of his European election campaign during the inaugural 'Why Europe Matters' Town Hall meeting series.