Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 November 2020
73. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the planning process that the proposed offshore wind farm at Kish and Bray Banks is going through; if environmentalists were involved in site selection; if an assessment has been carried out regarding the impact of the technology on marine life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39088/20]
View answerThe proposed Dublin Array project is one of several projects that have been designated as a Relevant Project. These are offshore wind projects that either applied for or were granted a lease under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended, or offshore wind projects that are eligible to be processed to receive a valid grid connection offer. These transition projects can continue to work and update a number of aspects of their projects so that they will be in a position to apply under the new marine planning regime, once enacted, which will be introduced by the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill. Prospective developers will need to apply to an Bord Pleanála or the relevant planning authority, as appropriate, for consideration of the project detail. It is in this phase where formal public consultation, Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment will be undertaken.
As Minister with responsibility for planning, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. Therefore, I cannot comment on a planning application or a proposal which will go into the planning system.
