Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2021
59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for the publication of the finalised terms of reference for the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61485/21]
View answerMy Department is currently developing terms and conditions for offshore wind auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. The first such auction, ORESS 1, will support the first phase of offshore wind development in Ireland.
The ORESS 1 auction is scheduled to commence in Q4 2022, subject to a sufficient quantity of eligible projects for a competitive process. A key component of auction eligibility will be for a project to hold a Foreshore Lease or a Maritime Area Consent (MAC). MACs are established under the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Bill and are expected to be issued to eligible projects by Q3 2022.
A public consultation of the draft ORESS 1 Terms and Conditions was held between October 2021 and December 2021 and over 150 responses were received. My Department will issue a formal response to consultation feedback in Q1 2022, with final Terms and Conditions to be submitted for Government approval in Q2 2022.
