Cork Chamber welcomes launch of Maritime Area Regulatory Autho

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork has today welcomed the official launch of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). The new agency has been set up to streamline the consenting process for the maritime area, and so is central to the development of the offshore wind industry.
 
“The launch of MARA today, along with the first proposal of a Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) off the south coast, are significant milestones in the development of Ireland's maritime area and offshore renewable energy. Offshore wind is one of the huge opportunities of our generation and every effort must be made to ensure that the planning and development process is as streamlined and transparent as possible. Consistency in policy and certainty in our planning and regulatory system are important to attracting the investment required into the sector,” said Bo Browne, Marketing & Communications Manager, Cork Chamber.
 
“The recent publication of the National Hydrogen Strategy represents another important step in Ireland’s journey towards a net zero integrated energy system and economy. The roadmap is welcome, and delivery of the key actions set out will be essential to reaffirm investor confidence. Harnessing our abundant wind and renewable energy resources to decarbonise industry and electricity, and eventually becoming an exporter of green hydrogen provides a huge opportunity for Ireland and for our city region.”
 
Ms Browne continued, “Cork is well positioned to become an international renewables hub which facilitates the growth in production of affordable and clean energy. The resourcing of MARA, our planning system and the continued investment in infrastructure such as our port and the grid are essential to enabling the development of the renewables sector. Decarbonising our energy is essential for Ireland to meet its 2030 climate and energy targets, while also importantly, achieving greater energy independence for our country, and continuing to attract foreign direct investment. It is important now, that we build on the momentum of this week’s announcements and ensure that any barriers to progress are addressed.”