Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (pictured) has published the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), the country’s first-ever spatial plan for renewable energy at sea.
The new draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) identifies four proposed areas off the south coast of Ireland for offshore wind projects.
The draft South Coast DMAP proposes that a first scheme with a capacity of approximately 900MW will take place in ‘Tonn Nua’, off the coast of County Waterford, and will aim for deployment by 2030.
It further proposes that over the next decade, further offshore wind projects will be developed in the areas of ‘Lí Ban’, also off the coast of County Waterford, and ‘Manannán’ and ‘Danu’ – both off the south coast of County Wexford.
An independent economic analysis, published alongside the draft South Coast DMAP, highlights the potential economic benefits associated with implementation of the plan.
It could deliver inward investment of €4.4bn and an estimated 49,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of employment to the Irish economy, according to the analysis.
The analysis further highlights that more than 65% of inward investment and employment opportunities could be captured by the south coast region.
The draft South Coast DMAP is part of a plan-led approach to ensure that offshore renewable energy will only be located in areas off the south coast that are environmentally suitable for such development.
The four maritime areas proposed for ORE projects have been identified following a comprehensive environmental assessment process and an almost year-long engagement process with coastal communities and stakeholders, de-risking the DMAPs as much as possible.
Minister Ryan said: “This is a hugely significant milestone – the first time the state has developed a forward spatial plan for renewable energy at this scale.
“Since taking office, it has been a priority of mine and this government’s to overhaul the regulatory and legislative system so that we could get to this point.
“We can now plan to run an auction, and the winners can then proceed to deal with a brand-new purpose-developed regulator (MARA) before applying to An Bord Pleanala for development permission.
“What is also critical is that at all stages of its development, the draft South Coast DMAP has been informed and shaped by close co-operation with local communities and with consideration for all maritime activities, including fishing and seafood production and environmental protection.
“Now, I encourage people to engage again over the coming six weeks of further consultation.
“By 2030 and beyond, the development of offshore wind projects in the South Coast DMAP areas will bring enormous economic opportunities for coastal communities, in terms of jobs growth and local community development.”
The draft South Coast DMAP and accompanying environmental assessments will now undergo a six-week statutory public consultation period.
To view the draft South Coast DMAP and for information on how to make a submission to the consultation please see here: https://www.gov.ie/southcoastDMAP