Iterative Plan Review (IPR) process relating to the Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy: EIR release

Information requested

According to this answer to a written question asked in the Scottish Parliament...

https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-12268

... the final programme for the Iterative Plan Review (IPR) process relating to the Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) was to be fixed in the weeks after the question was answered. Please provide the final programme for the Iterative Plan Review (IPR) process which was eventually fixed, and an explanation for why the IPR has still not been published.

Response

The final programme for the Iterative Plan Review (IPR) process was previously fixed as reaching public consultation by November 2023 and final adoption of the plan in June 2024.

It is essential that the updated SMP is based on the latest evidence to ensure that the assessment of opportunities and constraints reflects the latest position. Due to new evidence becoming available the assessments previously prepared for the SMP required to be updated. The work to revise the assessments was undertaken by specialist contractors and the delay was due to getting those new contractors in place and then to undertake the update to the assessment work.

In November 2024, a further revised timeline was agreed with Ministers for delivery of the updated SMP-OWE. We will now commence consultation on a draft updated plan in Spring 2025 and finalise a draft plan in Autumn 2025 with adoption and publication following as soon as possible.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.