Marine spatial planning framework
Eamon Ryan asked whether the marine spatial planning framework had been signed off and when it would be published. The Minister said it had come to Cabinet, would be published shortly for consultation, and the marine planning Bill was nearly ready for Cabinet.
Has the Cabinet signed off on the marine spatial planning framework that was due to go before it? It is a critical planning framework that we need to develop offshore renewable energy, protect biodiversity and ensure our coastal arrangements will protect against the ever-increasing threat of extreme weather due to climate change.
Could the Government indicate the position regarding the publication of the marine spatial planning framework?
Comment on this
There are two pieces coming, one of which relates to marine spatial planning. The latter should come to Cabinet and it will be published very shortly, before a consultation period-----
Comment on this
It has come to Cabinet and it will be published very shortly in advance of a consultation period of a number of weeks. The second piece - the planning and development Bill for the marine - has almost been finalised to come to Cabinet. We hope to get that in the next four weeks.