Section 17: Offshore Wind Farm Development1. Any person or entity seeking to develop an offshore wind farm in Irish waters shall apply for a license from the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.2. The license application shall include a detailed plan of the proposed wind farm, including the location, size, and capacity of the turbines, as well as an environmental impact assessment.3. The Minister may grant the license subject to any conditions deemed necessary to protect the environment and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the wind farm.4. The license holder shall be responsible for all costs associated with the development, construction, and maintenance of the offshore wind farm.5. The license holder shall comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to health and safety, environmental protection, and energy production.6. The license holder shall also be required to consult with local communities and stakeholders throughout the development process and provide regular updates on the progress of the project.7. Any disputes arising from the development or operation of an offshore wind farm shall be resolved in accordance with Irish law and regulations.

Section 17 of the Irish Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 governs the development of offshore wind farms in Irish waters. The section outlines the requirements for obtaining a license to develop an offshore wind farm, including the submission of a detailed plan and environmental impact assessment. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources has the authority to grant the license subject to any conditions deemed necessary to protect the environment and ensure safe operation. The license holder is responsible for all costs associated with development, construction, and maintenance, and must comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to health and safety, environmental protection, and energy production. The license holder is also required to consult with local communities and stakeholders throughout the development process and provide regular updates on the project’s progress. Any disputes arising from the development or operation of an offshore wind farm shall be resolved in accordance with Irish law and regulations.

In recent years, there have been several case laws and judgments related to offshore wind farm development in Ireland. In 2015, the High Court ruled that An Bord Pleanála had erred in granting permission for a wind farm in Co. Clare due to inadequate consideration of its impact on protected bird species. In 2019, the Supreme Court upheld a decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for a wind farm in Co. Tipperary due to concerns about its impact on the visual landscape. These cases highlight the need for careful consideration of environmental impacts and stakeholder concerns in the development of offshore wind farms.

Another key issue in offshore wind farm development is the potential impact on fishing communities. In 2020, a group of fishermen in Co. Wicklow successfully challenged a decision to grant a license for an offshore wind farm due to concerns about its impact on their livelihoods. This case highlights the importance of consulting with local communities and stakeholders throughout the development process and addressing their concerns.

Overall, the development of offshore wind farms in Irish waters is subject to strict regulations and requirements aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring safe and efficient operation. Developers must carefully consider the potential impacts on the environment, local communities, and other stakeholders and engage in ongoing consultation throughout the development process. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal challenges and delays in project development.