Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023
52. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can address the queries raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11639/23]
View answerThe 2020 Programme for Government committed to a target of 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity in Ireland’s maritime area by 2030. This target, along with the commitment that up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity will be sourced from renewables by 2030, was affirmed in the Climate Action Plan 2021 and in the updated 2023 Plan. Also in 2021, the Government adopted the Policy Statement on the Framework for Ireland’s Offshore Electricity Transmission System, which outlined that a plan-led offshore grid model would maximise societal benefits.
The Government has approved plans to accelerate the delivery of 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. This will deliver a secure, sustainable, and cost-effective supply of indigenous energy for future generations, while unlocking green energy export opportunities.The Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind outlines how the auction for offshore wind under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 2) will launch by the end of 2023, following a public consultation on draft auction terms and conditions in mid-2023.This auction relates to the delivery of offshore wind capacity on the south coast of Ireland, geographically aligned with available onshore grid capacity. This auction, and all subsequent Phase Two auctions, will result in the development of offshore wind capacity within 'Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Designated Areas'. These areas, which will be designated according to legislative provisions for Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) in the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act, will guide investment and decision-making and will complement the forthcoming network of Marine Protected Areas. This plan-led approach will ensure that development is managed in a planned, strategic and sustainable way.
Importantly, it will provide greater certainty for all maritime users as to where development will be situated.
