Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
270. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the new marine planning and development Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17041/20]
View answerIn January 2020 my Department published the finalised General Scheme of the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, which will provide the legislative basis for Ireland's new marine planning regime. The commitment in the Programme for Government to enact this legislation in nine months reflects the priority it has been accorded.
In order for this legislation to be enacted within the 9 month timeframe, further policy work is continuing on the development of certain aspects of the proposed regime and intensive engagements in that regard are ongoing with the Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment, who are leading the development of the provisions specific to Offshore Renewable Energy. In addition to the policy development work, engagement is also continuing with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, other Departments and agencies on the drafting of the legal text.
