Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
115. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he accepts that there is an urgent need to accelerate our offshore wind projects to allow for economic development based on renewables; if he is satisfied that his Department is doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21378/24]
View answerOn 1 May 2024, my Department published the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy strategy. This policy sets out a pathway on how we will deliver our ambitions targets of 20 gigawatts by 2040 and at least 37 gigawatts by 2050 offshore targets. The State has set clearly defined and ambitious targets. This policy has established 27 key actions that detail future directions and inter-governmental dependencies that will be addressed through subsequent policy to develop and initiate the long-term, plan-led approach to Ireland’s offshore renewable future. Economic analysis published alongside the Future Framework, estimates that our 37 gigawatts target could be worth €69 billion in gross value added to the state by 2060. This Framework complements the Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind, published in March by my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
On 3 May 2024, my Department demonstrated this government's commitment to accelerating the development of offshore wind through the publication of the State's first Offshore Energy spatial plan. The draft South Coast DMAP (Designated Maritime Area Plan) identifies four maritime areas off the south coast in which development of offshore renewable energy (ORE) is proposed to take place over the next decade. The first of these areas, Tonn Nua, will have a capacity of approximately 900 megawatts, enough to power almost 1 million homes, will aim for deployment by 2030. An independent economic analysis, published alongside the draft DMAP, estimates inward investment of €4.4 billion if the proposals within the draft DMAP are implemented, with the majority of this inward investment directly benefitting the South Coast region.
Further, Government has established an Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, which is chaired by my Department, to ensure a joined-up approach to policy development and coordination across government. This cross-government approach ensures a focussed and strategic approach to meeting our ambitious short, medium and long-term targets.
