Overview
Ireland’s Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) made the strategic decision in 2023 to adopt a plan-led approach to its ambitious offshore wind targets. This placed responsibility on the Government to identify optimal areas for offshore wind development.
DECC selected us to lead the marine spatial planning process for the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP).
We assessed a wide range of environmental, social, and technical factors in our marine spatial planning. Combining these with levelised cost of energy analysis identified the four most suitable areas. We also supported the public consultation process, evaluated feedback, and helped integrate input into the plan. Following this, We also supported the legislative process for surveys to prepare these areas for development.
The SC-DMAP achieved parliamentary approval in October 2024. This was a major milestone in Ireland’s offshore wind journey. The auction for the first of the four areas, Tonn Nua, is expected in Q3 2025.
Key challenges
- Transition to a plan-led approach
- Needed to integrate environmental, social, technical, and economic data
- Public and stakeholder engagement
- Legislative complexity
Key impact
- Identified four priority marine spatial planning areas
- Produced detailed reports
- Supported successful stakeholder engagement
- Informed and assisted legislation development
- Enabled parliamentary approval
- Accelerated project timelines
BVGA team
Matt Knight
Bruce Valpy
