Ireland will follow Scotland's lead in the development of marine renewables, it has been agreed at a British Irish Council meeting.

The Scottish government will focus on maximising growth in marine energy with the council's backing.

British government officials will be responsible for providing a new 'supergrid'.

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Both governments will provide progress reports to the bi-annual summit.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "From our wealth of natural resources in wind, wave and tidal power - with up to 25% of Europe's renewable energy potential - Scotland is fast emerging as the powerhouse of marine renewables.

"During tough economic times, our renewables sector continues to perform strongly with more than £1bn of investment in recent months," said Mr Salmond.

"Scotland is leading the world in renewable energy, and we are delighted to be leading this important work stream on behalf of the whole British-Irish Council," he added.

(PR/JM)