Vol. 557 No. 4
73 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the involvement the Government has had in proposals by an organisation (details supplied) in County Donegal for a wind farm for the purposes of providing electricity for Northern Ireland; and if the Government intends agreeing to this proposal which is partly in Irish waters. [21501/02]
94 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the studies which have been carried out regarding the effects of the proposed wind farm off Inishowen Head, County Donegal, on fishing and spawning grounds; and the effects such a proposal would have on coastal erosion. [22146/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 94 together.
A consortium that includes the organisation referred to by the Deputy is assessing the feasibility of developing an offshore wind farm in the Tunes Plateau area off the mouth of Lough Foyle. In a report entitled Assessment of Offshore Wind Energy Resources in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the area was identified as having suitable wind strength for wind farm development. The report was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the then Department of Public Enterprise, with support from the European Commission under the INTERREG II programme.
Some months ago, my Department became aware that the consortium was carrying out a feasibility assessment and has examined the matter in consultation with relevant Departments and offices. On the basis of this examination, it has been concluded that part of the area in respect of which the assessment is being carried out is within the jurisdiction of this State. The organisation referred to by the Deputy has been advised accordingly and informed that the appropriate authorisations under the Foreshore Acts will be required in respect of any development related to a wind farm proposed in this jurisdiction. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and the Crown Estates Commission have also been advised of the position.
The consortium is currently preparing an environmental impact statement in connection with proposed applications for consent for the wind farm development. The EIS will address a wide range of issues, including the possible implications of the development for fisheries and the coastline. In the event that the consortium advances its proposals on the basis that part of the proposed development will be located within this jurisdiction, the EIS will have to accompany any application for authorisation under the Foreshore Acts. If the proposal is progressed by the consortium on the basis that no part of the wind farm will be located within this jurisdiction, the Northern Ireland authorities will nevertheless have to consult this State in relation to the environmental implications of the proposed development. In either event, I assure the Deputy that full and careful consideration will be given to all environmental issues relating to the proposed development.
The Minister's Department is new and I assume it is working on a mission statement. After five months in office, what are this Administration's targets in terms of the percentage of our energy that is to be generated by wind by 2007?
Within certain limits, the esti-mate is 13.2% by 2005, which is conservative. I hope to have some impact in this area, and in Carrick-on-Shannon last Thursday I made a substantial policy statement on the issue. I issued a press release in the past two days outlining details in that respect.
Regarding the mission statement, my officials are currently in consultation with me on putting together a strategy statement which it is hoped will be finalised towards the end of this year. Much emphasis will be laid on sustainable energy.
These questions relate to Donegal. We cannot have a general discussion on them. I call Deputy Coveney for a supplementary question only in relation to Donegal.
On the Minister's reply, will he clarify whether the strategy report he mentioned is for renewable energy specifically or for energy sources in toto?
It is my Department's strategy statement.
