Consultation
Extensive engagement has been carried out in the south east by Energia Renewable’s Offshore Team. In light of the new state-led approach and the publication of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication’s draft South Coast DMAP and the upcoming ORESS 2.1 auction, consultation has been postponed until further notice. In the meantime, our Offshore Stakeholder and Communications Manager, Jodie Neary is available at 087 199 0637 or at jodie.neary@energia.ie for any information or queries.
Energia Renewables’ Offshore Team has previously carried out extensive engagement including two public consultations and monthly clinics located across Waterford. The team includes a Community Liaison Officer, Fisheries Liaison Officer and a Stakeholder Engagement Manager who met directly with fishermen, coastal communities, community groups, schools and residents. See below information on our previous public consultations and reports.
Environmental Scoping Report Consultation
Energia Renewables invited the public to take part in a consultation process on the Environmental Scoping Report for the North Celtic Sea Project. The consultation period on the scoping report ran from 16 May to 26 June 2023 inclusive. Energia Renewables welcomed input from local communities and organisations across the south-east region.
As part of the consultation, Energia held public information events as follows:
| Event Location | Venue | Dates & Times |
|---|---|---|
| Waterford City | The Tower Hotel | Tues 23 May, 4pm-8pm |
| Dungarvan | The Park Hotel | Wed 24 May, 4pm-8pm |
| Tramore | O’Shea’s Hotel | Thurs 25 May, 4pm-8pm |
| Bunmahon | Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre | Tues 30 May, 4pm-8pm |
| Duncannon | Community Hall | Wed 31 May, 4pm-8pm |
First public consultation 22nd September – 29th October, 2021
A first public consultation for the North Celtic Sea project was held from 22nd September – 29th October, 2021. This was the first in a series of opportunities to learn about the North Celtic Sea project, meet the team, and provide your views on the project.
As part of this consultation, Energia’s project team held a public webinar on Wednesday 13th October, 2021. The webinar provided an overview of the North Celtic Sea project and a Q&A session. A recording of the webinar can be viewed below. Indicative photo illustrations were also published as part of this consultation and can be viewed below.
We wish to thank everyone who took part in the first consultation. Your feedback is important and can help to shape the development of the North Celtic Sea project.
Our liaison officers are available to discuss the North Celtic Sea project and can be contacted using the details below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need offshore renewable energy?
We are facing a global climate emergency. Offshore wind energy projects are needed if we are to decarbonise our energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions – protecting our environment for current and future generations.
Our communities and businesses need clean, affordable, reliable energy to thrive and grow.
Ireland has a real opportunity when it comes to offshore wind energy. Favourable wind speeds and sea conditions provide an ideal environment for generating green electricity offshore. But we must act now if we are to harness the power of nature in the fight against climate change.
How much of Ireland’s electricity needs would be met by the North Celtic Sea project?
According to Census 2016, there were just over 1.7 million occupied homes in Ireland. The North Celtic Sea project could generate clean electricity to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes.
What would be the expected timeframe should the location prove suitable for an offshore wind farm?
Since the introduction of the state-led development process we are awaiting publication of the final DMAP and the ORESS 2.1 auction to be carried out in 2024 and into 2025. The successful bidder of that auction can then go to planning stage with the possibility of starting construction a number of years after with operation of the windfarm from 2033 onwards. See Project Timeline in the Project tab.
What environmental, economic and social benefits will North Celtic Sea deliver?
Environmental
- Clean electricity to supply over 500,000 homes
- Reduced emissions and a cleaner environment
Economic
- €2bn investment delivering €500m into the regional and national economy
- Offshore wind energy can be a key enabler to unlock new infrastructure investment in Ireland’s ports and maritime businesses
- Approximately 1,200 Full Time Equivalent jobs during construction
- Between 70-100 full-time local jobs during operation for 25 years
- Local operations and maintenance base
Social
- Multi-million Euro community benefit fund for local projects.
How can I talk to someone about the project?
As a leading energy supplier and a responsible owner and long-term operator of renewable energy projects, Energia Group and Vårgrønn understand the importance of building lasting relationships with the communities we serve.
We previously appointed both a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) to work closely with the local community and fishing communities as well as maritime interest stakeholders. As the process has moved to state-led and we are awaiting the publication of the final DMAP. Our Offshore Stakeholder and Communications Manager is available to discuss the current project and to answer any queries or issues you may have. Contact details are below.
What will the wind farm look like?
A detailed Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (SLVIA) will be carried out as part of the environmental assessment process. A photomontage is available to view on this website here: https://ncsa.macroworks.ie/?fireglass_rsn=true#fireglass_params&tabid=af55cfaf47260718&application_server_address=cswg-shared-prod-1-europe-west2.prod.fire.glass&popup=true&is_right_side_popup=false&start_with_session_counter=1
As part of the project development process, we will be undertaking community and stakeholder engagement, including further public consultation periods if successful in the ORESS 2.1 auction and during the planning application stage. In the meantime, you can contact our Offshore Stakeholder and Communications Manager.
What is the community benefit scheme?
A multi-million Euro community benefit fund will operate over the lifetime of the project. Guidance on how this will work will be set out in the Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) for ORESS 2.1. Once established, the Fund Administrator, a third party, will identify suitable projects which can be supported through the funds, ensuring that local communities benefit in an optimal way.
Will the energy be exported?
All electricity generated by the North Celtic Sea Project will be supplied to the Irish electricity grid.
Will the surveys impact upon fishing in the South East?
The proposed marine surveys are not expected to have any significant impacts for the fishing industry.
Our Fisheries Liaison Officers have worked closely with the fishing community and maritime interest stakeholders in advance of the surveys commencing, to ensure that fishing can continue during the survey works.
Energia Group and Vårgrønn are fully committed to supporting co-existence and co-operation with the fishing community throughout all stages of the North Celtic Sea project.
Further information on the marine surveys is provided in this Site Investigation Briefing Document.
Frequently Asked Questions for the fishing industry are available here.
Offshore Stakeholder and Communications Manager