The Irish Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Communications has invited applications from the first batch of offshore wind projects for Maritime Area Consents (MACs). The first MACs are expected to be issued in the second half of 2022.
A set of seven offshore wind projects, known as relevant projects, were shortlisted to be assessed in the first batch of MAC applications. The shortlisted projects include the Codling Wind I & II projects (up to 2.1 GW) developed by EDF Renewables and Fred. Olsen Seawind; the Bray and Kish Banks projects (also known as Dublin Array, 600-900 MW) developed by RWE and Saorgus Energy; the up to 530 MW North Irish Array project developed by Stakraft; the 400 MW Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta (or Skerd Rocks) project developed by Macquarie's Green Investment Group (GIG); and the up to 375 MW Oriel project developed by Parkwind and ESB off Clogherhead.
From 2023, a newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) will be responsible to assess applications for a MAC under Ireland's new regime. In the meantime, the Ministry, on an interim basis, is authorised to issue MACs to developers who meet the relevant assessment criteria. Offshore wind developers are required to have Maritime Area Consents to be able to apply for permission from An Bord Pleanála, the country’s national independent planning body.
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