The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, has published Ireland’s first spatial plan for renewable energy at sea, the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP). This plan identifies four maritime areas off the south coast for offshore renewable energy (ORE) development over the next decade.

An independent economic analysis accompanying the draft DMAP estimated that its implementation could bring €4.4 billion in inward investment and generate 49,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of employment, with over 65% of these benefits accruing to the south coast region.

Ireland’s offshore wind ambition

Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government in December 2023, subject to public consultation and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The public consultation will open shortly. Climate Action Plan 2024 is the third annual update to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2019.

Climate Action Plan 2024 commits to achieving at least 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030. A further 2GW is earmarked for the production of green hydrogen and other non-grid uses.

The new plan has placed ORE projects suitable areas, balancing the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity with supporting the livelihoods of citizens reliant on the sea. The areas were selected following a comprehensive environmental assessment and extensive engagement with coastal communities and stakeholders, minimizing risks associated with the DMAPs.

Proposed areas

The draft DMAP includes the proposal for the first offshore wind project, ‘Tonn Nua’, with a capacity of approximately 900MW, off the coast of County Waterford, aiming for deployment by 2030. The other three proposed Maritime Areas, within which future deployment of fixed offshore wind (fixed-bottom turbines) for the next decade may take place are

• Lí Ban – off the coast of County Waterford and has a total area of 486 square kilometres;
• Manannán – off the south coast of County Wexford and has a total area of 342 square kilometres;
• Danu – off the south coast of County Wexford and has a total area of 304 square kilometres.

This plan-led approach aims to sustainably develop the south coast’s ORE potential, ensuring economic growth while preserving the marine ecosystem.

Welcoming the draft South Coast DMAP, 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. 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 Pleanála 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.” 

The draft South Coast DMAP and accompanying environmental assessments will now undergo a six-week statutory public consultation period.

Consultation

To view the draft South Coast DMAP and for information on how to make a submission to the consultation visit here. The closing date for submissions is 5.00pm on 14 June 2024.

View the full press release here.