Summary
This public consultation sets out the findings of the SEA and the RIAA and gives stakeholders an opportunity to provide input into Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) policy development.
Documents
- OREAP - Consultation on the SEA Environmental Report and RIAA
- Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report
- Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment (RIAA)
- Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan for NI
- Offshore Renewable Energy Consultation on the SEA & RIAA - Equality screening
- Offshore Renewable Energy Consultation on the SEA & RIAA - Privacy notice
Consultation description
The Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP) was developed to enable the ambition for offshore renewable energy to be taken forward collaboratively with key delivery partners. ORE development in our marine area offers an opportunity for both decarbonisation and economic benefit for communities and businesses.
A key action within the OREAP was to undertake an update to the 2012 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) of Offshore Renewable Energy in our Marine Area. RPS Ireland were commissioned to update these environmental assessments which we are now consulting on.
We encourage stakeholders who will be impacted by ORE development and the wider energy sector to consider the contents of this consultation and supplementary materials and share their comments. This will provide the Department with valuable insight, which will be analysed and considered as part of the ongoing development of the OREAP.
The latest version of the OREAP has also been published with the government response to the draft OREAP public consultation.
Public Engagements
Public meetings have been arranged to gather feedback as part of the consultation process. These meetings will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share their views and contribute to the discussion.
The dates and locations of the events can be found at Offshore Renewable Electricity Team - Stakeholder events - May 2025
Ways to respond
When responding via email or in writing, please state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation (please state the name of the organisation). All responses should quote the following reference “OREAP: Consultation on the SEA Environmental Report and RIAA.”
A hard copy of the consultation and associated documents will be available to view upon request at the Department for the Economy, Adelaide House, 39-49 Adelaide St, Belfast, BT2 8FD.
To arrange a viewing please contact the Offshore Renewable Electricity Team at:
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.