Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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127. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding maritime area consent applications; the timeline for when they will begin to be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18845/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to the achievement of at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030 and includes a suite of actions to realise the full potential of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources. Ireland’s target to achieve 5GW by 2030 will be primarily met off our eastern and southern coasts. This reflects the suitability of water depths in these regions for deployment of fixed bottom offshore wind turbines and the availability of electricity grid infrastructure capacity. The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 provides the legal underpinning for an entirely new marine planning system, which will balance harnessing our huge offshore wind potential while protecting our rich and unique marine environment. Ahead of the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in 2023, the legislation provides, on an interim basis, the legal authority for the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Communications, to assess Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications from offshore renewable energy developers who meet defined assessment criteria.

I recently announced the launch of this application window, which will open on 25 April for an 8-week period. The first MACs are expected to be issued in the second half of 2022. The process will assess applicants in key areas, including financial and technical competency. This will ensure that only the most viable offshore projects can apply for permission from An Bord Pleanála. Applications to An Bord Pleanála will include full environmental assessment and public participation.

This approach ensures that immediate progress can be made in progressing offshore wind energy, while MARA is being established. Following assessment of the initial batch of MACs, responsibility will be handed over to MARA from early 2023.