Wind Energy Guidelines

Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Questions (111)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

111. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the guidelines for the development of offshore wind farms will be published; if a draft of the guidelines will be published for public consultation before adoption; what consultations have taken place between his Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that the two sets of guidelines dove tail with each other (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23840/24]

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Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department is preparing offshore wind energy marine planning guidelines under Section 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. The guidelines are being worked on as a matter of urgency and are expected to be finalised by Q4 of 2024. A public consultation will be carried out.

Development of the draft guidelines is being coordinated through a cross disciplinary working group includes representation of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Planning Division, which is responsible for the development of the planning guidelines for onshore wind energy. Where there are common factors between the two sets of guidelines, alignment is being sought.