Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
49. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of existing strategies and plans in his Department or connected state and semi-state agencies to attract investment into Ireland for renewable projects, particularly offshore wind; if his Department or agencies propose to develop new strategies to this effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnvironmental sustainability is a strategic imperative for IDA Ireland and the agency has set several sustainability objectives, which include promoting a sustainable approach to all investment, supporting decarbonisation and responsible production, and winning sustainability investments to drive a green recovery.
To enable the achievement of these objectives IDA Ireland has established a new Green Economy department which consists of executives based in Dublin and overseas. A priority of this new department’s strategy is to attract MNC investment in renewable energy infrastructure such as wind and solar, renewable energy technologies and services. In addition, the enterprise potential of offshore wind energy is a common theme in the Regional Enterprise Plans launched earlier this year.
Ireland’s increased climate ambitions will entail investment of tens of billions of euro in offshore renewable energy (ORE). This investment will deliver high-value indigenous jobs relating to the installation and maintenance of generation assets and associated infrastructure and services, and development of indigenous supply chains, and port infrastructure.
The significant role for ports, and need for associated infrastructure development, in Irish ORE development is recognised. A cross-departmental Offshore Renewable Energy Top Team, chaired by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is being established to capture wider economic and business opportunities associated with development of ORE in Ireland. This will include the identification of supporting infrastructure development and supply chain opportunities as Ireland’s offshore wind industry is developed.
Additionally, the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, which was enacted in December 2021, includes provisions to establish a new agency, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). The establishment of MARA comes about as part of the biggest reform of marine governance in Ireland in almost a century and the new agency will have a key role to play in the transformation of our marine planning system.
MARA will be a key enabler in respect of Ireland’s ambitions for the ORE sector, providing certainty to project promoters and delivering a pathway to realising the necessary investment. The new regulatory regime, with MARA at its centre, will also support delivery of other projects of strategic importance facilitating the State to harness significant benefits from realising a low-carbon economy, ensuring energy security, and presenting new opportunities for economic growth.
