Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Public Consultation – Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Windfarms Transmission Assets development, located in the Irish Sea

Summary

On 20 September 2023, the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, received a transboundary EIA screening statement in relation to the proposed Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Windfarms Transmission Assets development, 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 commercial fishing, fish and shellfish, marine mammals and shipping and navigation.

Subsequently, on 15 January 2025, 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 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 of the planning application a second transboundary screening was conducted on 15 January 2025. This transboundary screening process identified potential transboundary environmental impacts on Ireland in relation to commercial fishing, marine mammals and shipping and navigation.”