Windfarmproject forClogherhead
The ESB together with Parkwind, an experienced offshore operator, have reached an agreement to kick start the offshore wind generation industry in the Republic of Ireland through ESB’s acquisition of up to 35% in the Oriel project, off Dundalk.
ESB and Parkwind will also work together on the Clogherhead project for which ESB holds a foreshore license to commence site investigations. Parkwind will acquire up to 35 per cent of the Clogherhead project which is intended to be developed as a unique development, under a separate planning application.
The Drogheda Independent revealed in January 2018 that investigation works were taking place off the Clogherhead coast to see if the area is suitable for an offshore windfarm, which is located 1km from the proposed Oriel windfarm.
It is approximately 6km from the shoreline and bounds the Dundalk Bay shellfish waters.
It is expected that the works will take up to two years to complete and centres on the impact to the waters - if any - by such a project.
It is envisaged that the licence project won’t impact on fishing or recreational pursuits in Clogherhead.
The works include finalising offshore foundation locations and the optimum route for submarine electricity cables.
It is known that a number of shipwrecks are within or close to the site and the nearest shipping lanes are 0.7km from the northern boundary of the site.
Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd said: “The development of these two wind farms is massive news for County Louth. I am very pleased to see the ESB coming on board in these landmark projects.
“We have a long way to go in this country in terms of developing our renewable energy potential which is why projects like this one at Oriel are very important.
“The development of capital infrastructure like this in Louth will not only make us less dependent on fossil fuels but also mean we don’t have to import as much energy from other countries. The Oriel project has the potential to cater for the energy needs of every home in Louth and Meath.’