The European Union has made it clear that in developing offshore renewable energy, one industry cannot replace another. I spoke to fishers on the east coast again today and I have raised this matter on several occasions here. They are saying that because the Government has let the developers decide about certain sites, most notably the Kish and Codling banks, their entire industry will be wiped out. This will happen because the developers have decided the location and there has been no proper consultation with the fishers. They point out, for example, that their fishing gear is 600 m in length but that the gap between each of the wind turbines will only be 800 m. If they foul their gear on cables or the turbines it could be a disaster. They say it will destroy the spawning grounds on those sand banks for haddock, cod, whiting, whelk, crab and lobster and wipe out an industry that creates about 800 to 1,000 jobs. What does the Taoiseach say to them?

There is a planning process.

Not for this project.

Before any offshore wind farm gets permission, there is a planning process and the planning authorities have to listen to what the developers have to say. They also have to listen to what the fishers have to say. I am sure that they will do so and that they will take account of what the best thing to do is. I would not dismiss their concerns whatsoever. The fishing industry is important to Ireland, as is the offshore energy sector, which certainly will be important to Ireland because it is the key to our energy independence. I am getting a bit confused about the Deputy’s approach to politics. Every day he is in here talking about the housing and climate crises and yet he is the one who seems to be at the forefront of opposing housing and renewable energy in his constituency.

That is rubbish.

It does not make sense.

That is just rubbish. It is called sustainable and democratic planning.

And NIMBYism.

Deputy O'Donovan would know all about that.