Presentations

Abstract

Offshore renewable energy (ORE) is in its infancy in the Republic of Ireland with the first phase of ORE developments still in the consenting phase. A key stakeholder for any offshore project is the fishing industry and in 2019, Statkraft commenced engagement with the fishing industry on its NISA project.    It was recognised by the NISA project team, at the earliest stage, that Irish fisheries were unique in terms of history and also that there is invariably a contentious relationship between ORE development and local fisheries. Upon commencement of engagement, it was highlighted by the fishing industry that the area being considered was of particular interest to them and was a heavily fished area.    The environment to allow for constructive and proactive two-way dialogue was established by the project team, with the intention of building mutual understanding, not only focused on challenges but on potential opportunities also. Feedback from fisheries was inputted in design which influenced the layout and project development path. Based on the knowledge and understanding of fisheries developed, a new and novel initiative called the Sustainable Fisheries Community (SFC) was proposed. This is aimed at addressing fisheries/ORE interactions & challenges whilst capturing opportunities for both industry delivering wider benefits. This initiative, which is based on the principle of merging proactive and transparent stakeholder engagement with core fundamentals of sustainability including Just Transition, Climate, Biodiversity and Circularity.   Five offshore survey campaigns have been delivered on NISA to date. No legal challenges have been received, no stakeholder related consenting delays. Fisheries compensation payments have been minimal. The SFC has a mandate to secure the best long-term outcomes for both the Fisheries and NISA whilst delivering near term benefits . The SFC is a collaborative arrangement between NISA and involved fishers for betterment of both.