David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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98. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to report on plans to develop offshore wind infrastructure off the south coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27425/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In March 2023, Government approved that Ireland’s first forward spatial plan for offshore renewable energy (ORE) would be established off the South Coast of Ireland. This was further approved with the support of both houses of the Oireachtas in May 2023.

A draft forward spatial plan, known as the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for ORE, was published on 3 May this year, commencing a six week statutory public consultation that concluded on 14 June. This statutory consultation included approximately 14 in person public events along the south coast, three webinars and further meetings with key stakeholders. This follows an almost 10 week long non-statutory public consultation that took place in August to October 2023.

The draft South Coast DMAP identifies four maritime areas for proposed future ORE developments to deploy by 2030 and beyond. Of immediate priority, the draft plan identifies one maritime area, known as Tonn Nua, for a proposed development of approximately 900 MW to be developed by the winner of Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, which will commence later this year. This project will aim to deploy by 2030 or as soon as feasible thereafter.

Written submissions received as part of this consultation are currently being reviewed by my officials, which will inform possible further amendments to the draft plan and timelines for seeking its approval by both houses of the Oireachtas later this year.