The Irish government has begun soliciting feedback from the public on the the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (SC-DMAP), the first sub-national, forward maritime spatial plan for offshore renewable energy proposed by the state.
The country's Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications said the SC-DMAP will provide for the sustainable development of offshore wind through consideration of environmental protection and existing marine users and activities. The government is seeking feedback from the public on how Ireland, and in particular the South Coast, can make the most of the opportunity to maximise benefits for the environment and local coastal communities.
The draft SC-DMAP and its associated environmental assessments – Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) – are available for public consultation now until June 14, 2024. During this time, interested parties are invited to make submissions that will inform possible revisions to the draft SC-DMAP.
The closing date for submissions is 17:00 local time on June 14. Responses to the ongoing online survey can be submitted via this link.
