RWE Renewables Ireland has appointed Vanessa O’Connell as its new development project director for the 824MW Dublin Array offshore wind farm.
The proposed scheme will be located about 10km from the coast of counties Dublin and Wicklow.
O’Connell replaces Peter Lefroy, who has been leading the project since 2018, while also being the offshore development head for Ireland.
Lefroy will continue in his role as offshore development head of RWE Ireland & UK West.
O’Connell has worked across all stages of offshore wind schemes, encompassing development, construction, and operations, with involvement in nine sites.
Vanessa spent over 10 years at Orsted, working on projects such as Hornsea 1 (1.2GW), Burbo Bank Extension (258MW), Walney Extension (659MW), and Barrow (90MW).
On Hornsea 1, Vanessa held leadership positions in the commercial function, served on the construction leadership team, and assumed overall accountability for the asset during its transition to the operational phase.
Returning to Ireland over two years ago, she assumed the role as head of Inis Offshore Wind.
This independent offshore wind developer, backed by Temporis and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, focuses on early stage development in Ireland.
RWE director of offshore development UK & Ireland Danielle Lane said: “I am delighted that Vanessa has chosen to join RWE and Dublin Array.
“Her skills and experience in working in offshore wind will make a great contribution to the project at an important time.
“Dublin Array is a flagship project in the Irish offshore wind market and Vanessa is joining a strong, established team that will thrive under her leadership.”