Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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10. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 59 of 14 December 2021, the status of the preparation of the finalised terms of reference for the Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme (ORESS 1); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18679/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department continues to develop the terms and conditions for ORESS 1, the first offshore wind auction under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. As noted in Question No. 59 of 14 December 2021, the ORESS 1 auction is scheduled to commence in Q4 2022, subject to a sufficient quantity of eligible projects for a competitive auction. A key component of auction eligibility will be for a project to hold a Maritime Area Consent (MAC). MACs are established under the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 and on 25 April an 8-week window is set to open for MAC applications from projects. Award of MACs is expected in Q3 this year.

A public consultation on the draft ORESS 1 Terms and Conditions was held between October 2021 and December 2021 and over 150 responses were received. My Department plans to issue a formal response to consultation feedback next month, with final Terms and Conditions to be submitted for Government approval this quarter.