Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
146. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the full review of a matter (details supplied) will be completed; the reasons for the delay; the way that the applications for maritime area consents by the relevant projects can be processed in the absence of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41402/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to achieving at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) will be established in early 2023. In the interim, the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 provides the legal authority for the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Communications to assess Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications from a set of pre-qualified projects. These applications are currently being assessed in key areas, including financial and technical competency. This will ensure that only the most viable offshore projects can apply for planning permission. The first MACs are expected to be issued in Q3 2022. Pre-qualified projects obtaining a MAC must then apply for development permission to An Bord Pleanála. The first Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) sets out the Government’s policy for sustainable development of offshore renewable energy in the period to 2030 and relevant projects must be consistent with the OREDP.
The Programme for Government commits to developing a longer-term plan for the estimated potential of at least 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our Atlantic waters. Work is in progress on updating the first Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan. It will provide an evidence base for identifying the most suitable areas for the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy beyond 2030, while also considering other maritime activities and marine biodiversity. The updated plan will be an important planning tool as Ireland transitions to the enduring plan-led regime for offshore renewable energy beyond 2030. Key stakeholders from the economic, environmental, and social pillars are engaging in the updating of the plan. The OREDP II will involve a number of environmental assessments to evaluate potential impacts and inform its direction. The draft plan will be the subject of public consultation later this year, before being finalised early in 2023.
