Ireland’s maritime regulator, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), has published its Competitive Maritime Area Consent (MAC) Framework, marking a significant step towards the timely and sustainable delivery of offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects in Ireland.

The framework, released on 9 January 2026, is designed to complement Ireland’s plan-led approach to offshore renewable energy development and to support the country’s national climate and energy targets, according to MARA.

The Competitive MAC Framework follows the Offshore Renewable Energy Future Framework Policy Statement 2024, which sets out a roadmap for offshore renewable energy development between 2030 and 2050. That policy includes a specific action tasking MARA with exploring the feasibility of a competitive approach to awarding Maritime Area Consents.

Alignment with Ireland’s offshore planning framework

Ireland’s first Offshore Renewable Energy Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) is located off the south coast. An Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) auction has already taken place for Site A (Tonn Nua).

Under the new Competitive MAC Framework, the award of Maritime Area Consents for future developments in Maritime Areas B, C and D may be determined by MARA in line with the timing, methodology and processes set out in the framework. The Competitive MAC Framework may also apply to sites identified in the national offshore wind DMAP.

Stakeholder-driven and based on international best practice

The framework was developed with the support of Baringa LLP and has been informed by international best practice as well as extensive stakeholder consultation. MARA stated that the framework’s flexible, site-specific design allows it to apply tailored criteria and weightings for individual allocation rounds, supporting efficient and transparent decision-making.

During the initial design phase, MARA identified key elements of the framework and developed a range of options for each, drawing on global experience and Ireland’s policy and regulatory context. As the process evolved, preferred options were refined through continued engagement with stakeholders to ensure alignment with industry priorities while meeting public policy objectives.

A milestone for offshore wind in Ireland

Commenting on the publication, Laura Brien, Chief Executive of MARA, said the framework represents “an important milestone for offshore renewable energy in Ireland”.

“It provides a transparent, flexible and robust approach to the allocation of Maritime Area Consents for offshore wind projects within DMAPs, supporting sustainable development while recognising the distinct characteristics of individual sites,” Brien said. She added that stakeholder engagement had been central to shaping the framework and that MARA is confident it will play a key role in enabling offshore wind deployment in line with Ireland’s climate ambitions.

Offshore wind and climate targets

Offshore wind energy is a core pillar of efforts to deliver the European Green Deal and strengthen Europe’s energy security and competitiveness. At national level, Ireland has committed to a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, including a target of 5 GW of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid by 2030.

According to MARA, the Competitive MAC Framework is intended to support the delivery of these objectives by providing a clear and structured approach to allocating maritime space for offshore wind development.