Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has proposals to amend the Foreshore Act 1933 in relation to the development of offshore wind farms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12586/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Regulation of developments and activities on the foreshore, which is defined as the area of seabed between the mean high watermark and the 12 nautical mile limit (22.2 km) is subject to the Foreshore Act 1933. The development of an offshore windfarm on the foreshore requires a consent under this Act. The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 for all energy developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to develop the appropriate coastal zone legislative framework for all activities on the foreshore, including offshore wind farms.