Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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16. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of his engagement with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage concerning the request by associations (details supplied) for structures to enable developers to interact with inshore fishers concerning offshore renewable energy projects. [26914/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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It is important that I point out that planning or consenting offshore renewable energy projects does not come under my remit. All maritime spatial planning matters, including for offshore renewable energy projects, come under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I understand that the Minister intends to publish the Maritime Area Planning Bill in the coming weeks which will overhaul the planning and development system in the maritime area and I anticipate that the Bill will also set out formal consultation requirements for projects coming under the Bill's scope.

I understand that the demand for renewable energy and commitment to meet Ireland’s targets for reducing carbon emissions and renewable energy in line with commitments under both the Climate Action Plan and the Programme for Government has led to a significant increase in projects seeking consents. Coastal communities have long relied upon a myriad of economic activities to sustain them. Wind energy can make a real and significant difference to our energy needs but also to coastal employment and add infrastructure to our piers & harbours.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has invited the Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to participate in a working group with wider industry and stakeholder representatives on the development of a communication protocol between the seafood industry and the offshore renewable energy industry. Any queries on the operation of that working group should be directed to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.