Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1492. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position with regard to the so-called Dublin array of offshore wind turbines; the status of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15757/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSaorgus Energy Limited lodged an application for a foreshore lease to develop a windfarm on the Kish and Bray Banks in 2009 which are located approximately 10km from the Dublin and Wicklow coasts. The company also published an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in respect of the proposal, which is known as the Dublin Array. The applicant held its own public consultation process around that time; however, the application has not yet been approved by my Department to proceed to public consultation under the Foreshore Consent Application Process.
It should also be noted that a foreshore lease is only one of a number of conditions required by prospective developers in this sector. Other conditions necessary to ensure the viability of offshore renewable energy projects include the ability to output to the national grid as well as subsidy support. Policies in relation to these matters are the responsibility of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, respectively.
