Offshore wind farm consultation
Deputy Murphy criticised the south coast DMAP consultation for offshore wind farms, saying fishermen were underrepresented and compensatory measures were unclear. The Minister said he could not comment on specific planning applications but stressed the benefits of offshore renewables and the importance of consultation with fishers and MARA.
Last night, I attended the public consultation on the designated marine area plans, DMAP, for the proposed four sites for the offshore renewable energy wind farms off the south coast. This matter relates to the south-east region encompassing Wexford, Waterford and Cork. The fishermen there were the only real stakeholders who attended. The reality is that this was a public consultation where no compensatory measures, if required, are being proposed at this stage. It is proposed to go to auction with this in November. If this plan is to be successful, and it is a very positive development for the region, we need to look at the negatives and address them in a serious manner. The board was asked about negatives during the presentation and it skirted around them. The process has to be open and transparent and the Department needs to know that. We need to have compensation, if required, in place for our fishers who own boats that cost upwards of €1 million-----
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-----and employ 130 people in Kilmore-----
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As Minister with responsibility for planning, I cannot address specific planning applications in there because I am precluded from-----
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I understand the Deputy's concern, particular as brought forward the Marine Planning Act that was passed by this House. The Deputy is right there are great advantages for this country. There is a real need to expand our offshore renewable energy, ORE, capability. Indeed, there are very clear benefits for our communities and for our country. Public consultation with stakeholders is crucially important, including with fishers. I know there has been consultation with the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, and others and with fishers right the way across the areas we are looking for DMAPs to be done and where we are looking for future ORE redevelopment. I expect that consultation will continue. I will not get into the space of compensation yet, but that would be something I expect will be dealt with through the process. Our fishers obviously know our maritime area better than anyone else, and they will also understand the importance of energy security and stability and of ORE to our country. I want to make sure that all stakeholders can work on this.