A licence application to survey the Waterford coastline for the world’s largest offshore windfarm has caused fears among the fishing and tourism sectors in Ireland, writes Ellie O’Byrne.
Foreshore survey licence applications for three windfarms, including the largest offshore windfarm in the world, are ruffling feathers in Co Waterford.
In particular, an application by energy company Energia Renewables, formerly Viridian, to conduct feasibility surveys for turbines along the coast from Helvick Head to beyond Dunmore East is generating concern due to the size of the proposed project and its unprecedented proximity to shore.
Energia applied to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for a foreshore licence to survey for a windfarm that could generate 600MW to 1000MW: the UK’s Walney Extension, currently the largest offshore windfarm in the world, generates 659MW.
The Government’s new target of 70% renewable energy by 2030 as part of its climate action plan was accompanied by a comment that Ireland will have to prepare now for a significant offshore wind capacity in our system, when announced by Minister for Communications and Climate Action Richard Bruton.
However, it seems the winds of change are sometimes turbulent, with some communities on the south coast feeling under threat.
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