An Irish MEP is calling for the planning process for renewable energy products to be fast-tracked to tackle the issue of energy security.

Seán Kelly, MEP for the Ireland South constituency, was speaking ahead of a debate on energy security in the European Parliament today (Wednesday, October 6).

"Rising energy prices and energy security is a growing concern across Europe. This is of critical importance for Ireland, likely facing a 30% increase in demand in the next decade," Kelly said.

"We have a responsibility to every citizen to work in their best interests, that means switching to clean energy but also keeping the lights on with transitional fuels in the meantime. How member states handle the energy transition will determine both our economic future and the social cohesion of the entire EU," the Fine Gael TD stressed.

He warned that a situation in which "the most vulnerable" are left with rising energy costs and the economy is "strangled" as we move towards green energy is possible, urging that member states pay particular attention to those in danger of energy poverty.

"The EU's renewable energy directive includes several provisions that simplify permitting processes but member states must do more to fast-track positive energy projects," Kelly highlighted.

The MEP also argued that renewable energy targets will not be met without significant investment in the grid infrastructure around the county, particularly in west Cork, Kerry and Clare.

"If we are to fully reap the benefits of the renewable energy potential in these regions, improved grid interconnections and storage solutions are necessary," Kelly said.

"Retrofitting gas generation plants to run on hydrogen and ensuring that any new plants are designed to make conversion easy will be key in this transition. Ireland needs a hydrogen strategy to properly plan for this," he argued.