CAHORE POINT IDENTIFIED AS POTENTIAL WIND FARM SITE
Energy company Energia has applied for a licence to carry out surveys to assess a potential wind farm site off the Wexford and South Wicklow coastline.
An application has been submitted to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for a foreshore licence to carry out early stage surveys in an area of the South Irish Sea, 11.8 km from Cahore Point.
According to the application documents, an assessment identified a site off the coast between Raven Point and Arklow as a potential wind farm location with the surveys contributing to the possible design of the project.
Ecological and archaeological surveys will also take part as part of the process.
The application states the proposed wind farm has a potential output of 600 to 1330 MW, though no details of the likely number of turbines are included in the documents.
If a foreshore licence is granted, the company estimates that the studies would take place over a two-year period.
Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables said,‘this foreshore licence application is to undertake surveys and assess the feasibility for future development. It is in line with both the Government’s and our plans to create sustainability of energy supply from green and renewable sources, and to reduce the impact of climate change on our environment.’
The dates of public consultation, required as part of the foreshore application process, have yet to be confirmed though it’s expected they may get underway next month, according to a source.
Fishery Liaisons Ltd. have also been appointed by Energia to liaise with fishery organisations and groups in relation to survey activities.
The proposed site borders the Arklow Bank Wind Farm project area. SSE Renewables applied in November last for a licence to carry out surveys to collect information for the next phase of Arklow Bank Wind Farm project.
Energia have also applied for a separate licence to carry out surveys off the coast of Waterford.