Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
141. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to review the OREDP 1; his views that there will be a requirement for a new SEA for this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28486/22]
View answerWork on revising the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan is currently in progress by my Department. The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II will set out the pathway for the long-term sustainable development of Ireland's offshore renewable energy resources. It will provide an evidence base for the identification of areas most suitable for the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy. The work on the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II involves participation across Government and the collation of available, relevant data on our marine resource. Key stakeholders from the economic, environmental, and social pillars are regularly engaging in the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan Advisory Group to share expertise, knowledge and local perspectives. As work on this plan is progressed during 2022, public participation will be sought, particularly from those in coastal communities, to ensure a wide variety of views are captured. On behalf of my Department, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland engaged environmental consultants to carry out environmental assessments on the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II including a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The Scoping Report for the Strategic Environmental Assessment was the subject of a recent consultation which closed on 27th May 2022. Screening for an Appropriate Assessment (AA) is also been undertaken in respect of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II. The draft plan, the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment will be the subject of public consultation.
