Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
292. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to calls from advocacy groups for a designated wind farm zone of 22km from shorelines, similar to that introduced in other European countries; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20666/21]
View answerThe Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is leading on the development of the Maritime Area Planning Bill, which will provide a modern, up-to-date regulatory and marine planning framework for offshore renewable energy developments. The Minister is also in the process of finalising Ireland’s first marine spatial plan, the National Marine Planning Framework. This work has been supported by a Marine Spatial Planning Advisory Group, comprising a large number of stakeholders representing social, economic and environment groups, as well as relevant public sector organisations. The new regime under the Maritime Area Planning Bill and the National Marine Planning Framework will ensure that there is public consultation throughout the various stages of offshore wind development, particularly the development consent stage. Furthermore, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will develop offshore wind statutory planning guidelines, which will inform decisions made by planning authorities concerning developments in Ireland's maritime area, and will aim to support best practice throughout the planning process for offshore renewable energy developments. My Department will be a primary stakeholder in the development of the offshore guidelines.
As is the case with onshore energy developments supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), all offshore wind energy developments will be required to establish Community Benefit Funds prior to project operation. A Good Practice Principles Handbook will be published to ensure good governance and effective marine and coastal community involvement in the sustainable use of these funds.
