Overview
Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Public Consultation – Mona Offshore Wind Project, located in the Irish Sea approximately 28.2km from the Anglesey coastline
Summary
On 7 November 2022, the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, received a transboundary EIA screening statement in relation to the proposed Mona Offshore Wind Project, which was conducted on behalf of the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State at the pre-application stage. The transboundary screening process identified potential transboundary issues for Ireland relating to impacts on marine mammals, commercial fisheries, shipping and navigation and other sea users.
Subsequently, on 30 April 2024, the United Kingdom’s Planning Inspectorate (PINS) wrote to the Minister to invite Ireland to participate in transboundary EIA consultation as the Examining Authority had accepted for examination the planning application for the proposed development. This public consultation is being held in accordance with article 132 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 – 2024.
Additionally, following the acceptance for examination of the Development Consent Order application this proposal was also re-screened for possible transboundary effects on the 30th April 2024 with this transboundary screening process identifying potential significant transboundary issues for Ireland relating to impacts on shipping and navigation.
Why is this consultation being undertaken?
In accordance with the provisions of the 1991 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (“the Espoo Convention”), transboundary States are required to engage in transboundary consultation, including with members of the public, in respect of projects likely to have significant effects on the environment of neighbouring States as part of the environmental impact assessment of a proposed development. For this purpose, the transboundary State in whose territory the project is intended to be carried out is required to send to the affected State, no later than when informing its own public, a description of the project and any available information on its possible transboundary impact.
As noted above, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage recently received information in the form of a letter of notification dated 30 April 2024 from PINS, relating to an application for development consent for the proposed Mona Offshore Wind Project that is now in the pre-examination stage of their development consent order process.
The proposed development is comprised of (but not limited to) an offshore wind farm array located in the east Irish Sea, 28.2km from the Anglesey coastline; offshore transmission infrastructure extending to landfall on the north coast of Wales; and an onshore transmission infrastructure extending from landfall to the onshore National Grid substation at Bodelwyddan.
The UK Secretary of State has determined that the proposed development requires an environmental impact assessment and consequently they have conducted a transboundary EIA screening. This screening exercise determined that the proposed development may have transboundary environmental impacts in Ireland. The transboundary issues screened in include significant impacts on shipping and navigation.
Screening Assessment
The letter of 30 April 2024 provides details of where further information on the proposed development can be found on the PINS website – see also link provided under “How to participate” below.
How to Participate
All documentation related to the development consent application for the proposed development, including additional or amending documentation accepted at the discretion of the PINS, is available to view on its website at:
Members of the public may wish to visit the Dublin City Council public consultation portal to view correspondence from the PINS, digital copies of extracts from the applicant’s Environmental Statement; associated documents and links provided by the PINS to the full Environmental Statement and all other documentation relating to the development consent application for the proposed development.
https://consultation.dublincity.ie/planning/mona-off-shore-windfarm
The public consultation notice should also be available to view in the office of the Planning Section of each local authority nationwide during office hours, by appointment if required.
A copy of these documents are available for inspection, or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours at the office of each local authority nationwide. Links to all documents will also be made available online by each local authority. Please contact your local authority for further details.
Making submissions or observations
Submissions or observations should be made directly to the Planning Inspectorate UK at Monaoffshorewindproject@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Deadlines for submissions or observations
The public consultation period is open from 12th June 2024. The deadline for the receipt of written submissions or observations under this transboundary consultation process is close of business on 17th July 2024 at the latest. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will not accept submissions or observations in relation to the project.
Documents
Documents are available via the Dublin City Council Website Portal.
https://consultation.dublincity.ie/planning//mona-off-shore-windfarm
link below
Terms and Conditions
Not applicable – submissions are made directly to the competent authority, therefore neither the Department nor any planning authorities will be receiving submissions. On that basis, there should be no GDPR concerns
Contact details for submissions or observations
Any queries in relation to this transboundary EIA consultation should be directed to Dublin City Council. See contact details below:
Greg Bryan, Administrative Officer
Planning & Property Development Department, Planning Administration,
Block4, Floor 3, Civic Offices,
Wood Quay, Dublin 8
T: 01-2223108 E: greg.bryan@dublincity.ie