The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, has issued Maritime Area Consents (MACs) to the first phase of seven offshore renewable energy projects, in what represents a significant milestone in the delivery of offshore wind in Ireland.

The news release from government said: ‘The award of MACs ensures that only projects with the greatest viability to deliver Ireland’s ambitious energy targets can progress into the planning system. The award of a MAC follows a comprehensive assessment, by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, into each project’s financial and technical competency. This approach enables all Phase One projects to begin their pre-planning application engagement with An Bord Pleanála.

The award of a MAC also enables Phase One projects to participate in the ORESS 1, the first auction for offshore wind under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). ORESS 1 is expected to procure approximately 2.5GW of electricity generating capacity.

Speaking following the award of the State’s first offshore energy MACs, Minister Ryan said:

“With the award of Maritime Area Consents [MACs] to seven Phase One projects today, we have given Ireland’s most viable and well-advanced offshore energy projects the opportunity to progress through the planning system and reach development. This is a significant milestone on the pathway to decarbonising our energy supply and securing energy independence.”

Projects which have been granted a MAC will be required to apply for development permission and secure a route to market within set timeframes, ensuring project progression and maximising benefits to the State. Phase One projects are also required to pay an annual levy to the State – under the terms of their MACs.

Notes:

Ireland’s maritime area is seven times the size of its landmass.

The Maritime Area Consent (MAC) regime is provided for under the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021. The legislation provides for the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) – a dedicated maritime area agency which is a priority for the government. Work on the establishment of MARA is being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and will be in place in early 2023, as set out in the Climate Action Plan. In the interim, the legislation provides the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications with the powers to assess the first batch of MAC applications from a set of seven qualified Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) projects, known as the Phase One projects:

• Oriel Wind Park
• Arklow Bank II
• Bray Bank
• Kish Bank
• North Irish Sea Array
• Codling Wind Park (Codling I and Codling II)
• Skerd Rocks

The MAC is a first step in a new and streamlined planning process set out under the Maritime Area Planning Act (2021). Developers who have been assessed for, and are subsequently awarded, a MAC can then proceed to apply for development permission (planning permission) from An Bord Pleanála, where the project proposals will undergo environmental assessment.

Any project that has been awarded a MAC is eligible to partake in the ORESS 1, the first auction for offshore wind under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. The government approved the Terms and Conditions of ORESS 1 on 9 November 2022.

Only one small offshore windfarm – a 25MW (megawatt) offshore wind farm generating electrical power in the Wicklow region – has been constructed under the old foreshore regime prior to the enactment of the MAP Act.

The news release can be read here and further information on the Maritime Area Consent (MAC) regime can be read here.