General – Strategic Plan
The Irish government has published the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Proposal and accompanying Public Participation Statement (PPS).
This strategic plan outlines the development and management of offshore renewable energy resources off Ireland’s coast. It will provide a clear and sustainable framework for developing offshore renewable energy, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and community engagement to support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Ultimately, the National DMAP for ORE will designate renewable energy sites around Ireland’s coast that are suitable for offshore wind development, including fixed, floating, and floating demonstration locations.
The plan is part of a Programme for Government commitment to accelerate offshore wind development, and will assist in realising the Government’s objective of securing 20GW (gigawatts) of offshore wind by 2040. It 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’ — will go to auction in November to procure 900MW of capacity.
The proposed National DMAP and Public Participation Statement accelerates Ireland’s offshore renewable energy ambition via a plan-led framework guiding Ireland’s offshore renewable energy development.
The documents detail the scope of the overall plan, timeframes, and the necessary steps in developing the DMAP over the next two years, as well as the Government’s commitment to extensive and inclusive consultation with the public and stakeholders throughout the entire process.
