Irish Sailing Statement on Marine Renewable Energy Developments
Irish Sailing, following consultation with the organisations’ Cruising Policy Group has announced that its position on Marine Renewable Energy Development aligns with the European Boating Association stance and their position statement which was released in October 2023.
Irish Sailing understands the need to recognise the development of marine renewable technologies as an integral step in achieving net carbon zero by 2050.
The statement from the EBA sets out their position in relation to renewable energy developments in the marine environment during the construction, operation, and removal phases. It covers the following main points:
- Navigational Safety
-Consideration must be given to recreational routes, navigational squeeze, general sailing areas, racing areas and access to safe routes, boating facilities and anchorages.
-Collision and allision risks posed by the infrastructure should be minimised.
Emergency Response systems and procedures should be developed with recreational users in mind.
-The EBA supports the guidance provided by the IALA on the marking and lighting of infrastructure and will support members in their dealings with respective Governments to identify site specific issues that may occur.
-Any new infrastructure and relevant safety marks must be communicated to providers of small craft charts and navigational guides.
-Proposed developments should take into consideration any potential interference with navigation and communication equipment carried on small craft.
- Operational Safety / Exclusion Zones
-Exclusion zones are not supported due to the potential impact on the navigation of small vessels.
-In principle, there is no objection to the creation of “advisory” or “precautionary” zones but such zones must be designed and implemented on a case-by-case basis and should not permanently restrict navigation.
-There may be occasions where it may be prudent to impose short-term, temporary restrictions. These restrictions should be communicated through Notices to Mariners and lifted as soon as feasible.
- Under Keel Clearance of Devices and Cable Landfall
-Safe under keel clearances under all sea conditions should be specified for any infrastructure.
-We would expect the burial of export cables at landfall to maintain a minimum depth below chart datum of 4m and to maintain chart datum where the charted depth is less than this.
- Where possible cable landfall should not go through small craft or other anchorages or mooring fields.
- Cumulative and In Combination Effects
Any development should consider cumulative and in combination effects of existing and other proposed developments in the area.
To summarise, Irish Sailing, in agreement with the statement from the EBA, recognises the need to develop marine renewable technologies providing they take proper account of the right to safe navigation by recreational boaters.
Irish Sailing will support its members when dealing with the local development of marine renewables and will object to the imposition of operational safety zones beyond those clearly required to maintain the safety of boaters.
The full EBA position statement can be found HERE