Ireland
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Fair Seas and Wind Energy Ireland have condemned the Government delays in advancing the Marine Protected Areas Bill.
Fair Seas, Ireland's prominent marine environmental coalition and Wind Energy Ireland, the representative body for the Irish wind industry, are also urging immediate action to ensure the enactment of the Bill before the General Election.
As the Dáil goes into recess for the summer, the two bodies highlighted the Government’s failure to deliver this crucial – and long-promised – legislation. Failure to enact the Bill will have serious consequences for both the State’s ability to meet its offshore renewable targets and its ability to meet its international obligations to protect 30 per cent of Ireland's seas by 2030.
Ireland aims to develop 5,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind energy by 2030, crucial for delivering clean, affordable and reliable energy. Prioritising the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Bill is essential to safeguard biodiversity and guide future offshore renewable energy planning, crucial for meeting climate targets.
Despite promises dating back to early 2023, the Government has yet to deliver this critical marine conservation legislation, which is seen as the most significant in generations.
Fair Seas Coordinator, Dr Donal Griffin said: "We may represent different interests but Fair Seas and Wind Energy Ireland are united in a desire to see the MPA Bill enacted as soon as possible. It must be at the top of the government’s agenda for the next Dáil term. This government is entering its final months and it cannot allow this Bill to fall at the point of the next election – whenever that will be. This legislation is too important to delay any longer. Time is running out to protect our marine wildlife and ecosystems."
Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs at Wind Energy Ireland stated: "Our members are committed to the sustainable development of offshore wind energy in a way that protects, and even enhances, our marine biodiversity. The Marine Protected Areas Bill is central to Ireland’s sustainable energy future and we want a commitment from the Government that this will be a priority when the Dáil meets again in September."
