More than 100 scientists will begin cutting-edge research into renewable energy technology at a new €15m research lab which is due to open in Cork harbour within months.

Ireland plans to become the first country in the world to use “floating off-shore wind turbines” which it is envisaged will supply the national grid with green electricity within the next six years.

Despite being in the Dáil til after midnight as the abortion debate rumbled on, a bright-eyed Taoiseach found himself within hours riding the high seas in a powerboat on Cork harbour on one of the most beautiful days of the summer.