Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 69: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he plans to introduce legislation to facilitate the development of offshore wind energy; and if so, the timescale for same. [43268/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Foreshore & Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2009 published on 6 November, provides for the transfer of certain functions relating to the foreshore from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has confirmed that following the transfer of functions, he will introduce legislative changes aimed at better integrating the foreshore consent processes with the planning processes under the Planning Acts and ensure a fit-for-purpose planning regime for offshore renewable energy developments.

My Department is already working with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to progressing a new regime for offshore renewable energy and both Departments are liaising with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and with the renewable energy associations. SEI has also commissioned a strategic Environmental Assessment for offshore renewable energy, which will underpin future developments.