Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
448. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has engaged with phase 1 offshore renewable energy applications before submission of planning applications; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35338/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra449. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is standard policy for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to engage with phase 1 offshore renewable energy applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35339/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra450. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider mandating the National Parks and Wildlife Service to engage with phase 1 offshore renewable energy applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35340/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra451. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service working full-time on the delivery of offshore wind projects and applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35341/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra452. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the exact role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the area of offshore renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35342/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 448 to 452, inclusive, together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has a statutory consultation role under the Planning and Development Acts in respect of offshore renewable energy projects. As part of this role, NPWS provides submissions and observations to planning authorities and An Coimisiun Pleanála on issues related to potential impacts on nature conservation, including protected habitats and species, arising from such developments.
NPWS has engaged extensively with the Phase 1 offshore renewable energy projects, providing detailed input and advice as part of the statutory planning process. This engagement is ongoing and will continue, as appropriate, for each project as they proceed through the planning system.
As Minister, I am precluded from making further comment on these individual projects as they are currently under active consideration within the planning process.
I would also note that NPWS has been appropriately resourced to ensure that it can address offshore renewable energy projects referred to it in a timely and comprehensive manner, in line with its statutory responsibilities.
