Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
119. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to develop Designated Maritime Area Plan for offshore renewable energy projects off the West coast of Ireland; the timeline for such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3335/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new plan-led approach to offshore renewable energy (ORE) was adopted by Government and approved by the Oireachtas in May 2023. Central to this plan-led approach is the requirement that all post Phase One offshore wind developments in Ireland must be situated in marine areas identified for this purpose that are located within Designated Maritime Area Plans, or DMAPs.
As adopted by Government and approved by the Oireachtas, Ireland’s first ORE DMAP is to be located off the South Coast, and will identify a suitable area or areas for future deployments of fixed bottom offshore wind projects that aim to assist in delivery of our 2030 target and beyond. Fixed bottom offshore wind is a proven technology that has been delivered at scale in other jurisdictions and offers the best prospects for the accelerated delivery of future offshore wind, at an affordable cost to Irish electricity consumers.
A new Future Framework policy will establish an evidence-based pathway for longer term ORE developments beyond 2030, including with regard to the deployment of floating offshore wind technology in deeper waters in Ireland's maritime area. The draft Future Framework was published on 22 January 2024 and is currently undergoing public consultation. Following completion of this consultation, it is intended that the Future Framework will be published in Spring 2024, contingent on Government approval. This will provide a framework for the subsequent establishment of future DMAPs for floating offshore wind.
The Maritime Area Planning Act, 2021, requires that any DMAP must be reviewed no later than six years after its establishment, and includes provisions for the subsequent establishment of a new replacement DMAP.
