Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
170. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the transition to a plan-led approach in offshore wind farming and the engagement of industry and stakeholders in the offshore wind delivery task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14524/23]
View answer171. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the transition to a plan-led approach in offshore wind farming; if this will prompt any changes in the structuring and resources of the offshore wind delivery task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14525/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.
The Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind approved by Government aims to accelerate the delivery of 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030, as well as the wider Climate Action Plan objective of achieving 80% renewable electricity.
Under Phase Two, offshore renewables capacity will continue to be procured through the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), with the size and regularity of auctions required to meet the 5 GW target to be determined by onshore grid and marine spatial constraints, and the outcome of Phase One. Phase Two auction participants will compete for supports to develop offshore wind capacity within Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Designated Areas, which will be designated according to legislative provisions for Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) in the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021.
I established the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce in order to accelerate and drive delivery of offshore wind by public bodies, and to maximise the economic benefit to Ireland of offshore wind. The work of this taskforce is framed by the overarching objective of deploying 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030, and as such its remit includes Phase Two. No changes to its structure have been required on foot of the recent policy statement. The Taskforce is working with representatives from the offshore wind industry, who are currently actively contributing to workstreams examining supply chain and skills needs.
