Marine planning Bill timeline
Deputy Smith asked when the marine planning development and management Bill would be brought forward to support offshore wind and climate targets. The Taoiseach said it was important legislation and hoped to publish it in the autumn, likely later in the year.
On climate change, if the Government is to reach its target of producing 70% of its electricity from renewable resources, wind energy, including offshore wind energy, will play a significant role. My question relates to the marine planning development and management Bill, which was due before quarter 3 of this year. What are the plans relating to it and will the Taoiseach provide the House with a timeline for its presentation?
Comment on this
I am very keen in terms of the development of offshore wind. I think it is going to be a key contributor to our energy capacity into the future and in terms of meeting our climate change agenda, so that legislation, it is hoped, will be published in the autumn, probably towards the latter part of the year.