Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
148. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on reports that planning delays have hindered the building of offshore renewable energy in the State; if he will examine the possibility of establishing a new public body that can drive State investment in offshore wind projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18826/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 has delivered the legislative basis to enable regulation of Ireland’s maritime area outside the 12 nautical mile coastal zone for the first time. This was an important achievement and provides certainty for offshore wind energy projects, which involve substantial levels of up-front investment. The Act provides for the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and expected to be established in Q1 2023. The legislation provides, on an interim basis, the legal authority for the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Communications, to assess Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications from offshore renewable energy developers who meet defined assessment criteria. I recently announced the launch of this application window, which will open on 25 April for an 8-week period. The first MACs are expected to be granted in the second half of 2022. The process will assess applicants in key areas, including financial and technical competency, to ensure that only the most viable offshore projects can apply for permission from An Bord Pleanála. Applications to An Bord Pleanála will include full environmental assessment and public participation. This approach ensures that immediate progress can be made in progressing offshore wind energy, while MARA is being established. A cross-departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce is being established by my Department, to ensure alignment of activities in progress across Government, to deliver on the ambitions for offshore wind energy. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will be invited to participate along with relevant agencies to ensure the longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables are captured.
