Energia Group has been granted foreshore licences by Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to carry out surveys for proposed new offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea and the south Irish Sea.
Combined, Energia’s North Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea projects could provide up to 1.6GW of offshore wind power, the company said.
The licences, which Energia applied for in 2019, will enable essential survey work to be carried out over the next 18-24 months.
The surveys will provide information on the ecology of the sea area and detailed imagery and conditions of the seabed.
No structures will be erected onshore as part of the surveys and there will be no negative impacts on the marine or coastal environment, the company said.
The surveys will involve two and occasionally three vessels in the areas at any one time.
Information from these studies will help to establish a number of key project details, including the proposed location of the offshore turbines.
These details will be presented in an open and transparent way through a series of public consultations, as well as ultimately in a statutory consultation to support planning applications that Energia expects to submit in 2023.
Energia Renewable managing director Peter Baillie said: “The award of foreshore licences for our North Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea projects represents a significant milestone in the early-stage development of these projects.
“In reaching this point, the projects have joined a small number of other offshore projects that can realistically contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s 2030 targets.”
“Having set ambitious targets for offshore wind, Ireland still does not have a planning and consenting regime for these projects.
“This void will be addressed by the Maritime Area Planning Bill but unfortunately, as currently proposed, the legislation will undermine Ireland’s achievement of the 5GW target by phasing the development of offshore wind projects.
“In the time that remains to 2030, it is essential that all projects required to meet the target are urgently given a clear pathway to progress.”
The first public consultation on the proposed North Celtic Sea project started on 22 September and will remain open until 29 October.
A virtual consultation room has been created on the project website and includes survey area maps, indicative photo illustrations, a project timeline, and other information on the project including engagement with local and fishing communities.
A public webinar and information clinics have been scheduled in October, with further information available on the project website.
The first public consultation on the proposed South Irish Sea project will open in the coming weeks.