Strategic Environmental Assessment of Wave, Tidal and Offshore Wind Development in Irish Waters
There is a vast amount of energy which can be harnessed from Ireland’s marine environment through offshore wind, wave and tidal energy technologies. There is potential not only to provide a significant contribution to Ireland’s domestic electricity requirements, but also to become a net exporter of electricity, supplying Britain and mainland Europe with a clean renewable source of electricity.
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, as the competent authority, have requested that the Ocean Energy Development Unit, working in close collaboration with the Marine Institute, undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment of Offshore Wind and Marine Renewable Energy in Ireland.
In accordance with the EU Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment (“the SEA Directive”), a Strategic Environmental Assessment will be undertaken to evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the plans to develop offshore renewable (offshore wind, wave and tidal) energy in all Irish waters.
The SEA will provide a high level of protection for the environment by integrating environmental considerations and promoting sustainable development. The SEA does not do away with the need for individual project environmental impact assessment (EIA) where such assessment is required under EU Law. The SEA provides an assessment at a strategic high level (e.g. national/regional) with EIA providing a more detailed assessment at a project specific level.
For further information and guidance on SEAs, please follow the links below: