Offshore Renewable Energy: Maritime Area Consent (MAC) Assessment for Phase One Projects

The Climate Action Plan 2021 recommits Ireland to the ambition to install 5GW of offshore wind capacity in our maritime area by 2030, and introduces a new objective, that by the same year, up to 80% of our electricity will be sourced from renewables. In addition to increasing our renewable energy share, these targets will support our carbon emission reduction commitments, meet anticipated increases in domestic electricity demand and increase our security of electricity supply.

The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 is the State’s leading response to the much-needed reform of marine governance. The Act provides the legal underpinning to an entirely new marine planning system, which will balance harnessing our huge offshore wind potential with protecting our rich and unique marine environment.

One of the main features of the MAP Act is the creation of a new State consent, the Maritime Area Consent (MAC), as a first step in the new planning process.

Under the special transition provisions in the MAP Act, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications will have the responsibility for assessing and granting MACs for a first phase (Phase One) of offshore projects, which satisfy the definition of “relevant maritime usage” under the Act (the Relevant Projects). Applications for MACs from these projects will open this year and will mark an important step towards reaching our 2030 targets.

The purpose of this consultation is to:

• Set out the proposed approach to MAC assessment for Relevant Projects
• Provide important information on various aspects of the new MAC regime for Relevant Projects
• Invite feedback from interested stakeholders on the proposed approach to the assessment of Phase One MAC applications

This consultation comprises three documents, and respondents are encouraged to read all three:

The closing date for submissions has been extended to 5.30pm 18 February 2022

Submissions with the subject 'MAC Assessment Consultation' can be made to the following email address: oreconsenting@decc.gov.ie or by post to:

MAC Assessment Consultation

Offshore Energy – Environment and Consenting Division

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

29-31 Adelaide Rd, Dublin

D02 X285

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. All submissions and feedback will be considered before the Maritime Area Consent (MAC) Assessments are finalised.

Please note that responses to this consultation are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI), Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Please also note that we intend to publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact personal data prior to publication. In responding to this consultation, parties should clearly indicate where their responses contain personal information, commercially sensitive information or confidential information which they would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published.

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice which explains how and when we collect personal data, why we do so and how we treat this information. It also explains your rights in relation to the collection of personal information and how you can exercise those rights.

Industry Submissions

Group/Organisation Submissions

Individual Submissions