A renewable energy lobby group and marine environmental coalition have both issued an appeal to Government to take “immediate action” on promised marine protected areas (MPAs) legislation.
In a joint statement, environmental coalition Fair Seas and industry group Wind Energy Ireland have criticised “Government delays” in bringing forward the Marine Protected Areas Bill.
“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% of Ireland’s seas by 2030,” the joint statement says.
“Ireland has a target to develop 5,000 mega-watts (MW) of offshore wind energy by the end of 2030. Building these offshore wind farms is essential to provide clean, affordable and secure energy,” the statement says.
“If we are serious about meeting our climate targets, the MPA Bill must be moved to the top of the political agenda to ensure that biodiversity is properly protected and to inform key future planning decisions for offshore renewable energy,” the statement continues.
“Despite having been promised since early 2023, the Government has so far failed to deliver what would be the most significant piece of marine conservation legislation for generations,”it says.
Fair Seas co-ordinator 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,” Griffin said.
“This legislation is too important to delay any longer. Time is running out to protect our marine wildlife and ecosystems,” he said.
Wind Energy Ireland director of external affairs Justin Moran said: “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,” Moran said.