Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Stanton for his further contribution, highlighting the significance, importance and timeliness of this project proceeding. In advance of a comprehensive review of the national ports policy in 2013, which had just commenced, the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office, carried out an assessment of the options for Irish commercial State ports to facilitate the offshore energy sector and assist in Ireland achieving its emissions reductions targets. The key recommendation arising from the assessment was that a small number of large-scale port facilities on the island of Ireland will be required for assembly and deployment activity to meet Ireland's renewable targets. In addition, a greater number of ports will be needed for post-construction operation and maintenance of facilities.

As stated, the national ports policy is currently under review. An issues paper was published in October 2023 and a public consultation was held to review the views of stakeholders. The issues paper posed questions over 12 themes, including a section on ways to support the development of port infrastructure to facilitate offshore renewable energy. The second phase of development of a revised policy will see the publication of a national draft ports policy, which is planned to be open for public consultation in the third quarter of this year. On foot of this work, in December, the Department published a policy statement on the facilitation of offshore renewable energy by commercial ports.

As time is tight, I want to confirm to the Deputy that the Port of Cork company is the only port in Ireland that has planning permission in place to proceed with offshore infrastructure works. The port received planning permission in 2015 for a phased development at Ringaskiddy port, which is valid for ten years. The Port of Cork has confirmed to the Department that planning permission will expire in October 2025. The Port of Cork company has communicated to the Department that it plans to begin construction work at the Ringaskiddy east plant, on the permitted development, in the third quarter of 2024, to be completed by October 2025. The Port of Cork will also require a maritime area consent form. The dredging will need to be completed to facilitate the facility to become operational.

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