Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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141. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to review the OREDP 1; his views that there will be a requirement for a new SEA for this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28486/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Work on revising the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan is currently in progress by my Department. The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II will set out the pathway for the long-term sustainable development of Ireland's offshore renewable energy resources. It will provide an evidence base for the identification of areas most suitable for the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy. The work on the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II involves participation across Government and the collation of available, relevant data on our marine resource. Key stakeholders from the economic, environmental, and social pillars are regularly engaging in the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan Advisory Group to share expertise, knowledge and local perspectives. As work on this plan is progressed during 2022, public participation will be sought, particularly from those in coastal communities, to ensure a wide variety of views are captured. On behalf of my Department, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland engaged environmental consultants to carry out environmental assessments on the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II including a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The Scoping Report for the Strategic Environmental Assessment was the subject of a recent consultation which closed on 27th May 2022. Screening for an Appropriate Assessment (AA) is also been undertaken in respect of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II. The draft plan, the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment will be the subject of public consultation.

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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143. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the cross-Departmental offshore renewable energy taskforce; if it has had its initial meeting; the reporting structures of the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28449/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department has established a cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce to drive delivery and capture wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland. This will include the identification of supporting infrastructure development and supply chain opportunities as Ireland’s offshore wind industry is developed.The Taskforce has met twice since its establishment, and I intend to convene the next meeting later in June. The Taskforce will report through my Department’s internal governance and oversight structures. This structure will support reporting by the Department to the Climate Action Delivery Board and by me to the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Climate Action.