Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
232. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether and if the Naval Service will play a role in the protection or monitoring of offshore wind infrastructure off the west coast of Ireland in particular due to the proposed distance from shore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34567/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Maritime Area Planning Bill which it is intended to publish shortly envisages that a new agency, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), will undertake enforcement and compliance activities for such offshore development with powers analogous to terrestrial planning authorities.
There are a number of public bodies, including the Naval Service, the Commissioners for Irish Lights and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority with existing maritime capacity. The Bill provides for MARA to enter into cooperation agreements with other public bodies in the performance of their respective functions. The intention is to maximise the use of existing capacity and minimise costs, where possible. The precise modalities of these arrangements and the public bodies involved will be a matter for MARA and the relevant public bodies, once MARA has been established.
