To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what actions he is taking alone, or in partnership with other Departments, to map potential offshore wind turbine sites for companies to bid for.

My Department maintains the DAERA Marine Mapviewer which brings together a range of marine related spatial datasets to support marine related decision making.

As set out in the Energy Strategy Action Plan 2022, the Department for Economy (DfE) is bringing forward an action plan to deliver 1GW of offshore wind from 2030 in Northern Ireland (NI) waters. DfE is leading an Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP) Steering Group and working with key partners (DfE, DAERA, Department for Infrastructure, The Crown Estate, Utility Regulator, the electricity networks, and RenewableNI) to address the barriers and accelerate offshore wind deployment in NI to happen by 2030 if practicably possible. This involves the commissioning and direction of an update to the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Appraisal for the NI marine area that was completed in 2012 by consultant firms AECOM and Metoc. As part

of this update work, key resource areas for offshore wind development will be identified.

In parallel with the work of the OREAP Steering Group, an Offshore Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) has been established. The OREF will engage with wider stakeholder groups such as environmental organisations, local communities and industries that will be impacted by offshore wind development in NI to gain their input and engagement with the development of the OREAP. Therefore, alongside the environmental and habitats impact assessments, thorough stakeholder engagement is taking place to ensure that offshore wind projects are sited in the best places for Northern Ireland’s communities and businesses, and the environment.