Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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65. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied). [34220/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I have no statutory function regarding the granting  of foreshore licences. The Foreshore Act, 1933 is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the granting of foreshore licences and the processing of current applications. The Programme for Government commits to producing a plan setting out a path to achieve 5 GW capacity in offshore wind by 2030 off Irelands Eastern and Southern coasts. This plan will focus on utilising our existing energy and maritime infrastructure and will seek to create the right investment environment and support ocean energy research where necessary in the areas of floating wind, tidal, and wave power.

At present, only offshore renewable energy projects within the limits of the foreshore (12 nautical miles) may be licenced under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is leading on the development of the Marine Planning and Development Management (MPDM) Bill which will introduce a new, streamlined consenting regime for offshore renewable energy. Once the MPDM Bill is enacted, it is proposed that Maritime Area Consents (MAC) would be granted by me, as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, for development types within my policy remit including for offshore renewable energy.