Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has published a proposal for a National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for offshore renewable energy. The plan will provide a spatial framework for large-scale offshore wind development, including floating wind, and aims to deliver 20 GW of capacity by 2040.
The DMAP will apply the policy framework of the National Marine Planning Framework and align with EU legislation such as the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and Renewable Energy Directive. It will designate specific areas for offshore renewable projects, limiting development to these zones, and set out policy objectives for planning, consenting, and environmental protection.
Floating wind will be a particular focus, with demonstration and commercial-scale developments to be included alongside fixed-bottom wind, offshore solar and ocean energy technologies. The plan will also consider co-existence with other maritime uses, port capacity, transmission grid connections, and land-sea interactions.
The DMAP process will involve environmental assessments, public consultation, and stakeholder engagement. A final version is due by December 2027.
