Driving Towards a Net Zero Future – a perspective from Scotland and Ireland

Speakers

Marian Troy

SSE is driven by its purpose: to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. SSE is a leading generator of renewable electricity and one of the largest electricity network companies in the UK. SSE develops, owns and operates low carbon infrastructure to support the zero-carbon transition. This includes onshore and offshore wind, hydro power, electricity transmission and distribution grids, and efficient gas-fired generation, alongside providing energy products and services for businesses, and SSE has interests across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Japan, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Poland. SSE is a Scotland-headquartered FTSE-30 company, employing 10,000 talented and skilled people and is real Living Wage and Fair Tax Mark accredited. SSE is investing on average £7m every single day on cheaper, cleaner and more secure home-grown energy. Marian Troy is Head of Corporate Affairs, Ireland for SSE, leading policy, communications and public affairs for SSE in Ireland. She also previously worked with the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities and the European Commission. Marian is a lawyer and town planner by background.

Karl Bonner

Killybegs Marine Cluster was established in 2021 to support companies in Killybegs, Donegal to take advantage of the enormous opportunities emerging in the Blue (or Marine) economy – in vital areas of food security (aquaculture and fishing) and energy security (offshore renewables). The cluster is committed to playing its part in the drive towards Net Zero by directly promoting the development of offshore wind off the coast of Killybegs, and actively participating in the supply chain for offshore wind. Killybegs Port has the depth and channel-width to support major the offshore renewable structures that will be deployed in the coming years. The Killybegs fishing industry is actively engaged with offshore renewables developers to play a direct role in the drive to Net Zero. Killybegs cluster companies are providing the innovation and engineering support to solve many of the challenges of delivering the offshore energy needed to achieve Net Zero. That work is being done in tandem with Academia and Government – to support innovation and promote the development of the skills base that the renewables industry will require to meet ambitious targets. Karl Bonner is CEO of Killybegs Marine Cluster. He graduated from College in Scotland, having completed a Business Studies Degree from Edinburgh Napier University. His working life has been in Ireland, focused on the Seafood industry working both with established businesses in international markets, and innovative start-ups forging a path in new markets. Karl is leading the Cluster, and coordinating the inputs of member companies, Government and Academic partners – all focused on paying a significant part in the delivery of Net Zero.

Patrick O'Toole

Patrick is a qualified, EU-registered Architect & Planning professional. Patrick has over 17 years experience in the successful delivery of private and public housing projects, and has overseen over 2,500 residential completions in Ireland. Patrick has in depth knowledge of the Irish housing market, it’s regional variations, and enjoys close relationships with many state and industry stakeholders. Patrick has held senior positions with STW Architects and has also been responsible for growing Meitheal Architects into one of the largest housing design and planning practices in Ireland. Patrick has led industry-firsts in tall building and Strategic Housing Development consents. As well as his professional commitments Patrick has taught at Oxford Brookes University & University College Cork CCAE.