Written answers

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Wind Energy Guidelines

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

255. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the concerns among Irish fishing communities at the growing number of planning applications and expressions of interest for offshore wind farms; his views on the calls for adequate distances from the shoreline for wind turbines to be introduced and the minimalisation of loss of access to fishing grounds for those fishing communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15497/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the development of the Maritime Area Planning Bill, which will provide a modern, up-to-date regulatory and marine planning framework for offshore renewable energy developments. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is also in the process of finalising Ireland’s first marine spatial plan, the National Marine Planning Framework. The Department has been guided by a Marine Spatial Planning Advisory Group throughout this process made up of a large number of stakeholders representing social, economic and environment groups, including fisheries representatives, as well as relevant public sector organisations. The new regime under the Maritime Area Planning Bill and the National Marine Planning Framework will ensure that there is public consultation throughout the various stages of offshore wind development, particularly the development consent stage.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will develop offshore wind statutory planning guidelines, which will inform decisions made by planning authorities concerning developments in Ireland's maritime area, and will aim to support best practice throughout the planning process for offshore renewable energy developments. My Department will be a primary stakeholder in the development of the offshore guidelines.

As is the case with onshore energy developments supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), all offshore wind energy developments will be required to establish Community Benefit Funds prior to project operation. In order to ensure good governance and effective marine and coastal community involvement in the sustainable use of these funds, a Good Practice Principles Handbook will be published by the Minister or a nominated body.

Officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and my Department are actively examining further opportunities for engagement with the fisheries sector, having identified and recognised a need for effective engagement between the seafood and offshore renewable energy industries. We are currently evaluating a proposal for the establishment of a seafood industry and offshore renewable energy working group, one of the primary goals of which will be to develop a communications protocol between these two industries. The intention with this is to increase levels of understanding and facilitate constructive engagement between both of these important sectors, in addition to considering relevant issues such as co-existence opportunities, displacement considerations and safety at sea.​

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.