Ireland’s Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has introduced a Competitive Maritime Area Consent (MAC) Framework to regulate the allocation of rights for developing offshore renewable energy projects.
The framework, launched on 9 January, supports Ireland’s strategy for offshore renewable energy and follows the Offshore Renewable Energy Future Framework Policy Statement 2024, which sets targets for 2030 to 2050.
In November 2025, Ireland appointed a developer for the 900 MW Tonn Nua site off the south coast, under the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP).
This framework outlines procedures and criteria for granting MACs in designated maritime areas, including future locations in Maritime Areas B, C, and D, and it also applies to national offshore wind DMAP zones.
The National DMAP proposal was released by the Irish government in September 2025 to formalize spatial planning for offshore renewables, supporting future consenting rounds to meet national goals.
MARA’s framework, developed with Baringa LLP and shaped by stakeholder input, enables the regulator to apply site-specific criteria for competitive allocation. It aims for transparent decision-making, aligning with industry priorities and Ireland’s objectives, including a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 5 GW offshore wind grid connection target by the decade’s end.
“The publication of our Competitive MAC Framework is a significant step for offshore renewable energy in Ireland. It offers a transparent, flexible, and robust approach to allocating Maritime Area Consents for offshore wind projects within DMAPs, supporting sustainable development while acknowledging the unique characteristics of sites.” said Laura Brien, Chief Executive of MARA.
“Stakeholder engagement has been crucial in shaping this framework, and we are confident it will be pivotal in delivering offshore wind projects aligned with Ireland’s climate goals.”
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz