New appointment for MEP Clune

An Ireland South MEP has been appointed Vice-Chair of a key European Parliament body, it was announced this week.

Deirdre Clune, a Fine Gael representative, said she was asked to take up the post based on her long-standing record on maritime affairs.

The Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup brings together over 100 MEPs from 23 different countries to monitor EU maritime policies and promote concrete actions.

MEP Clune said: “I look forward to engaging with my colleagues to promote Europe's strong maritime tradition and boost renewable energy development.

“As an Irish MEP, I offer the perspective of an island nation committed to expanding its offshore wind capacity to address climate change and the energy crisis.”

She continued: “We know the deep waters and excellent wind capacity in the Celtic Sea and the west coast of Ireland can generate huge amounts of green power for Europe. To do this we need more investment, research and a focus on the crucial factor of ports.”

She added: “The second largest natural harbour in the world, Cork has huge potential as a hub for new floating and seabed-fixed turbine projects. The Shannon Estuary has also been identified as an ideal location to harness the power off the Atlantic Coast.”