Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2024
80. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken to ensure that the development of offshore energy is not located in areas that will force the displacement of existing livelihoods, particularly fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41418/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2021, Ireland established its first national maritime spatial plan, known as the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF), and legislated to positively change the management of our seas and oceans through enactment of the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act. The MAP Act further created the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) to manage and regulate sustainable activities within our seas and oceans.
The deployment of offshore renewable energy (ORE) is critical towards meeting Ireland’s renewable energy and legally binding objectives. This includes achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this decade and a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. Accordingly, Government has established ambitious targets for the deployment of ORE, which are installed capacities of 5 gigawatts by 2030, 20 gigawatts by 2040 and 37 gigawatts by 2050.
The development of offshore renewable energy in Ireland is taking place within the overarching legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks provided by the MAP Act and the NMPF. The NMPF includes robust overarching Marine Planning Policies that apply to all marine activities or developments. Of particular note is the policy on co-existence. Co-existence is where multiple developments, activities or uses exist together or close to each other in the same area and / or at the same time. To manage available space effectively and to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of access to it, there is a requirement for proposals to consider co-existence of activities and minimise adverse impact where possible. This will enable activities such as fisheries, to continue and / or grow, minimise conflict, and meet local, regional and national policy aims including economic. For example, during the development of the draft South Coast DMAP, a Community Liaison Officer and a Fisheries Liaison Officer were appointed and remain in situ, to ensure those working and living in and near the area of the DMAP, are consulted with on an ongoing and meaningful way to minimise impact and maximise opportunities that will come from the development of offshore renewables in this area. This was in addition to direct and ongoing consultation by my Department with those living and working in this area, including, and with a particular emphasis on, those working in the seafood industry.
