SSE Renewables has unveiled plans for an operations and maintenance facility at Arklow Harbour for the 520MW second phase of the Arklow Bank offshore wind farm off Ireland.
The base is proposed for the South Dock in Arklow Harbour and SSE is inviting the public to share views during a public consultation that runs from 7 to 25 June.
The facility will act as the support base for the offshore wind farm over its operational lifetime.
It will require an expected investment of around €15m, the company said.
SSE Renewables is proposing to develop the facility at a disused site known as The Old Shipyard.
Approximately 60 construction roles will be created during the delivery phase of the O&M facility alone, and additional indirect supply chain roles are expected.
Once complete, the building will accommodate around 80 full-time employees who will be recruited to work on the wind farm once it becomes operational.
These direct jobs will include site managers, supervisors, technicians, control room operators, engineers, vessel crew, stores and administration staff.
The wider wind farm will also support thousands of indirect and induced jobs over the project’s lifetime, SSE said.
The four-storey development has been designed to be a ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building’, meaning the building will operate to a very high energy performance, the company said.
It will accommodate warehousing for turbine components, office and meeting space and staff welfare facilities.
Plans are also in place to provide a sustainable development centre on the top floor overlooking the Harbour that will anchor the facility in the community and welcome visitors for educational tours, exhibitions and sustainability-themed events.
Urban realm improvements are also planned for the site including landscaping and improved public lighting.
The nearshore element of the plans will see the existing disused syncrolift removed from the Harbour’s dockside and replaced with berthing and pontoon facilities for crew transfer vessels.
SSE Renewables will lodge a planning application with Wicklow County Council later this summer for the proposed development.
The consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public and stakeholders to engage with SSE Renewables on its plans and submit feedback to further inform the development of the facility.
Arklow Bank Wind Park project manager James O’Hara said: “We are delighted to share plans for the operations and maintenance facility which will act as the support base for Arklow Bank Wind Park Phase 2.
“This state-of-the-art building will play a crucial role in kick-starting the regeneration of Arklow Harbour.
“It is also from this building where 80 full-time employees will be based for decades to come.
“I encourage the local community to share feedback on this element of the project so we can refine our plans accordingly before we seek planning approval later this year.”
Dublin-based Studio Negri was commissioned to design the O&M base.
Studio Negri Architect and Founder Andre Negri said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to work on the Arklow Bank Wind Park phase 2, which is a trailblazing project, both onshore and offshore.
“Inspired by Arklow’s credentials as a decarbonisation zone, we wanted to ensure the operations and maintenance facility is designed to deliver a high-performing, state-of-the-art facility, with minimum impact on the environment, and powered by renewable energy sources.
“The social element of the facility has also been carefully considered.
“The building will be engaging for users and the community with spaces for people to work, but also to gather and collaborate.”