Mayo-based captain appointed to Seafood/Offshore Renewable Energy Working Group
MAYO-BASED Captain Robert McCabe has been appointed chairperson of the Seafood/Offshore Renewable Energy Working Group for a two-year period by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien.
Captain McCabe has extensive maritime experience in a variety of senior roles throughout a 35-year career with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, including serving as the First Master of the ILV Granuaile, before later being appointed to a variety of management positions within the Commissioners of Irish Lights, including Assistant Inspector, Deputy Head of Marine, Head of Marine, and Director of Operations and Navigation.
Since retiring, Captain McCabe has been living in Westport.
He has also served as president of the Irish Chamber of Shipping and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICoS), and is a current member of a number of marine bodies, including the Nautical Institute and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The Seafood/ORE Working Group has been established to facilitate discussion on matters arising from the interaction of the seafood and offshore renewable energy industries, to promote and share best practice, and to encourage liaison with other sectors in the marine environment.
Captain McCabe brings extensive knowledge of both sectors, having previously worked with both in relation to maritime navigational safety. His work has enabled him to gain an extensive knowledge of the Irish coast and maritime activity across all sectors, and he brings a record of effective delivery of offshore engineering and navigation safety projects, which will prove valuable within the setting of this group.
Said Minister O’Brien: “Throughout his career, Robert has demonstrated the type of qualities that this group requires, working with diverse marine groups to achieve win-win solutions by showing leadership, drive and determination to succeed. I also note that his specific expertise in safety at sea will prove extremely beneficial to the work of the group as the group progresses.”
Also welcoming is appointment, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, stated: “I recognise the marine space is a shared resource and the seafood sector delivers significant economic benefits, while sustaining many coastal communities. The establishment of offshore wind energy will create new opportunities and offers potential benefits for all, in addition to enhancing our energy security.
“The development of our offshore wind energy capacity will dramatically lessen our dependence on imported fossil fuels, and bring an unprecedented reduction in CO2 emissions for a climate neutral future.
“Ireland’s maritime area is seven times the size of its landmass. We must seize this opportunity to shape our own energy future, and move closer to energy independence.”