Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 April 2023
63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport regarding phase two of the development of offshore wind farms and the identification of ports to construct them in, the progress that has been made to date; and if any ports have been identified in advance of next month's auction. [19836/23]
View answerOffshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to achieving Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions with a target of achieving 7GW of offshore energy by 2030 of which 2GW will be dedicated solely to producing green hydrogen. Irish ports will play a critical part in achieving this ambition.
It is anticipated that a large proportion of Government’s 5GW offshore wind target will be developed under Phase 1. However a second phase (Phase 2) of ORE projects may further be required to bridge the gap between Phase 1‘s output and the 5GW target set out in the Climate Action Plan. The additional target of 2GW to produce green hydrogen will be given a separate phase called Phase 3.
To achieve these ambitions a National Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce was established in 2022 by the Department of Environment, Climate & Communication (DECC) to focus efforts across the system on the delivery of offshore wind energy, it brings together senior representatives from key departments and agencies. Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective and the Department of Transport (DoT) is working very closely within this Task Force in this regard.
In December 2021, the DoT published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial Ports, the rationale for which was to bring clarity in policy terms and encourage all ports to actively engage with potential development opportunities and consider the potential being offered.
This statement also noted that to meet Ireland’s deployment activity of 5GW a minimum of 2 ports will be required with a multiple of smaller ports requirement for O&M. As you are aware, Ireland has increased its ambitions to 7GW of offshore wind by 2030 and as a result, Ireland will potentially need up to 4 or 5 ports depending on the degree to which the respective ports plans match the nature and location of the requirements for marshalling and assembly.
In the development of port infrastructure, ports must progress their plans through a number of phases, this includes consenting and planning both which must be progressed in advance of the construction phase.
MARA is to be established in Q3 2023 and will begin processing applications for Maritime Area Consent (MAC). The first MACs are expected to then be awarded to ORE ports by end of 2023, after which the ports can begin pre-engagement consultation with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) with a view to obtain planning permission for construction of ORE infrastructure.
The Foreshore and MARA Planning Units in DHLGH continue to engage with ports in relation to plans, timelines, requirements, and the consenting phase as appropriate. This engagement will continue with a view to optimally supporting port readiness for MAC applications and ensure that ports can proceed through the consenting phases as efficiently as possible.
Under National Ports Policy our state commercial ports operate as independent commercial bodies. This policy has proven very effective in developing a highly competitive and responsive ports sector, where ports have continually proven to be agile in responding to market needs and opportunities. A number of Irish ports involved in advancing ORE infrastructural projects are at various stages of plan development and are working on detailed businesses cases.
Currently, the seven projects awarded MACs are participating in the first Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme auction (ORESS 1) with preliminary results expected in May 2023. It is anticipated that results of this auction will serve to provide for further clarity in the market and support further engagement between ports and developers.
