The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has welcomed feedback on the location of future of regional offshore renewable energy developments.

Views were sought from coastal communities in counties Wexford, Waterford and Cork.

The department also met with industry, community organisations, representative bodies from the fishing and seafood sector, environmental organisations, as well as business groups within each county.

The public information period followed the publication of the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) Proposal by the department last July. The Plan put forward 'initial' proposed areas where offshore wind energy developments may take place.

The initial proposed area of marine space is approximately 8,600 square kilometres in size, stretching along the coastline of counties Wexford, Waterford and Cork.

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Another period of engagement will be launched by the Department in 2024. Ahead of this next engagement period, the marine area of the South Coast DMAP Proposal will be refined to identify specific areas for proposed future offshore renewable energy development, which will be included in a 'Draft DMAP'.

This will include maritime zones suitable for the installation of offshore wind projects both by the year 2030 and beyond. The preliminary Draft DMAP is expected to undergo a six-week mandatory public engagement phase in early 2024.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said: "I welcome the feedback we have received to date on the South Coast DMAP process, which will designate sea areas for development both by 2030 and beyond 2030. My Department will continue to work closely with local coastal communities so future developments of our offshore wind resources are managed in a planned, strategic, economical and sustainable way. The DMAP process is part of a rigorous plan-led approach adopted by Government which will offer the best way to protect our local marine environments while also boosting local community development. We know that future offshore wind energy development has the potential to offer enormous economic opportunities for Ireland's coastal communities, in terms of jobs growth and local community development.

"I strongly encourage all interested citizens, local communities, and various groups involved in existing maritime activities, including fishing and seafood production, throughout the south and southeast coast to engage in our next phase of public engagement for the South Coast DMAP Proposal."