Energia has opened up
its first phase of public consultations on its proposed North
Celtic Sea
offshore wind farm. The project is proposed to be a minimum of 10km and
up to 25km off the coast of Co. Waterford in the North Celtic Sea.
This early public consultation takes place from 22nd September – 29th
October and is the first in a series of opportunities for the public to
meet the project team and learn about the project. An online
exhibition room
is open which includes survey area maps, indicative photo illustrations,
a project timeline, and other information on the project and our engagement
with local and fishing communities.
Energia’s
project team is holding a public webinar on Wednesday 13th October
from 7pm-8pm and all are invited to attend to learn more about the
project and ask questions. Click
here to register.
A recording of the webinar will also be made available online after the
event. Information clinics will be held from 18th – 22nd
October.
Launching
the consultation, Eoin McPartland, Offshore Renewables Manager with Energia
said: “The North Celtic Sea project will generate 100% green electricity
and will make a positive contribution to decarbonising Ireland’s energy
supply and reducing emissions – protecting the environment for current
and future generations.
“We
recognise that many Irish coastal communities around our shores are coming
to terms with offshore windfarm developments for the first time. Coastal
communities in other countries following progressive decarbonisation agendas
are already experiencing some of the local benefits that can arise from
this type of development in the green economy. As a leading Irish energy
provider, we are committed to ensuring all areas of the local economy can
thrive in parallel with this development.
“The
North Celtic Sea project is at an early stage and this consultation is
an opportunity to introduce the team and provide information. We’re very
much looking forward to discussing this important project with people over
the coming weeks and we welcome feedback which can shape the development
of the North Celtic Sea project.”
The
project team is currently undertaking offshore and onshore studies, to
help determine site suitability and to inform the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) and design process. Further periods of consultation will
take place over the coming 18 months,where progress on the project will
be shared.
Energia
has also applied to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage,
for a foreshore licence to carry out surveys for this project. This
application is at an advanced stage and a licence is expected soon.
It
is anticipated that a planning application for the North
Celtic Sea
project could be made in 2023, with a planning decision in 2024.
For more information on offshore wind
farms worldwide, click
here.
