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The Irish government has given its approval for new legislation to transfer the licensing process for offshore wind to the Department of the Environment (DoE). At present, foreshore licences are awarded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF). But the wind industry has complained that the slow permitting procedures are frustrating offshore developers and discouraging investors. DAFF is drafting legislation to transfer the foreshore licensing of wind and other energy activities to the DoE, the responsible department for onshore wind. By involving fewer departments, it hopes to streamline the whole process. The DoE says it will assume its new responsibilities before the end of the year.