Energia Renewables is holding a consultation in Waterford, Ireland, for an environmental report for an offshore wind energy project.
The developer has published a key environmental report for the North Celtic Sea offshore wind energy project to be located off the coast of Waterford.
The public consultation will be the second one carried out by Energia Renewables in relation to the offshore wind project and will run for six weeks.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report) describes the key elements of the North Celtic Sea project and how data will be gathered to inform the environmental assessment.
The EIA scoping report also identifies the potential effects of the project on the surrounding onshore and offshore environment, all of which will be assessed by qualified experts.
The public consultation process runs from 16 May until 26 June inclusive and feedback is welcome from local communities and organisations across the south-east region.
Caroline Roche, Offshore Environmental and Consents Manager with Energia Renewables, said: “The publication of our Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report is a key step as we progress the design of the North Celtic Sea offshore wind project.
“We understand that protection of the local environment is a key priority. This consultation is a good opportunity to learn more about the environmental aspects of offshore wind and how the North Celtic Sea project will be developed in line with best environmental management practice.
“We welcome feedback on the scoping report and look forward to discussing the North Celtic Sea project with people throughout the consultation period.
“We’re committed to ongoing consultation as this project progresses and we thank everyone who has engaged with us to date.”
Energia Renewables completed seabed surveys for the project in late 2022.
The project team is continuing to conduct ongoing onshore and offshore environmental surveys including seabird and marine mammal surveys, with further ecology and hydrographic studies starting soon.
The information from these studies will help inform the design of the wind farm, its location, size, and connection to the electricity grid.
Further consultations will take place over the coming months to share progress on the project design.