Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
459. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what engagements he has had with the British government in relation to any plans it may have for development of offshore renewable energy in areas 7G and 7F that will potentially impact Irish fishing waters and the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41518/23]
View answerI am informed by officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) that they regularly engage with counterparts in the UK in relation to spatial planning in both jurisdictions’ waters for future offshore renewable energy development. Officials of DECC further advised that on 18th of April 2023 they were informed of four 'minded to' future Project Development Areas (PDAs) in the Celtic Sea within which the Crown Estate would hope to run future leasing rounds to deliver up to 4 GW of floating offshore wind.
Where I am made aware of consultations being held for Offshore Renewable Energy installations in the Celtic Sea, my Department will examine the proposals and provide observations, where necessary, on potential impacts on Irish fishers under the scope of such consultations.
