Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
250. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the commitment in the Programme for Government to “Fast-Track Offshore Wind Development by prioritising the publication of Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) and ensure the relevant agencies are sufficiently resourced to accelerate these developments”; the steps he is taking to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15034/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDesignated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) are a critical piece of the Government’s strategic plan for managing our maritime area to ensure that developments take place in a sustainable way. The transformation to a plan-led system for Ireland’s maritime area commenced in 2021 with the publication of the National Marine Planning Framework and the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021.
This took a substantial step forward when the South Coast DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) was approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas in October 2024.
Following on from the South Coast DMAP, the development of further DMAPs to ensure ORE is planned in strategic and sustainable way is a key priority for my Department. I am currently considering options which will allow a detailed proposal for the next DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy to be prepared.
When this DMAP proposal is finalised it will be accompanied by a comprehensive Public Participation Statement which will set out the plans for stakeholder engagement and public consultation opportunities which will be particularly important for coastal communities and marine stakeholders.
