The Irish government has unveiled the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), along with a Public Participation Statement (PPS), to manage and develop offshore renewable resources along Ireland’s coast.
According to the government, the proposed National DMAP and PPS expedite the country’s offshore renewable energy goals, providing a structured framework for future development.
The documents outline the plan’s scope, timelines, and necessary steps in developing the DMAP over the next two years. Public and stakeholder consultations on the proposal will occur in 2026 and 2027.
The National DMAP is expected to be finalized in 2027 and submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval.
“This proposal, along with the Public Participation Statement, outlines our actions and ensures your voice is heard. The PPS will guide environmental and fisheries sectors and all stakeholders in participating in the process,” said Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment.
The National DMAP for ORE aims to designate renewable energy sites suitable for offshore wind development, including fixed-bottom and floating demonstration locations around Ireland’s coast.
This plan builds on the South Coast DMAP for ORE, approved by the Oireachtas in October 2024. The first of four sites within the South Coast DMAP, Tonn Nua, is slated for auction in November to secure 900 MW of capacity.
“The National DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy supports our decarbonization efforts and offshore renewables ambition of 20GW by 2040. Establishing a single National DMAP for ORE, following the Phase One projects and last year’s South Coast DMAP, will provide greater certainty for marine stakeholders and the renewable industry,” said O’Brien.
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