Abstract
The guidance documents are intended to be available for regulators and advisors as they carry out their decision-making and for developers and consultants as they prepare consenting and licensing applications. This country-specific document presents an overview of regulations relevant for marine renewable energy development in Ireland from pre-application, through to application and post-consent and is intended mainly for developers and consultants. It is not intended to replace any formal guidance or prescribe action, but rather provide a starting point for understanding the key requirements of the regulatory framework. This document is intended to be read in conjunction with the background document.
In Ireland, regulatory responsibility for marine renewable energy (MRE) projects is divided between various Government Departments, State agencies and local authorities (county councils) depending on the aspect of responsibility being considered as well as the location of the MRE development. This document focuses on the regulatory requirements for projects in the territorial sea (high water mark to 12 nautical mile sea limit) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ; 12-200 nautical miles).