Irish energy company Energia Renewables has announced the appointment of Jodie Neary as Offshore Stakeholder and Engagement Manager for its proposed North Celtic Sea offshore wind farm project, off the Waterford coast, and its South Irish Sea wind project off the coast of Wexford and Wicklow.
A former Wicklow County Councillor, she will lead engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that local communities, public representatives, the fishing community and anyone with an interest in the projects are informed and have all the information they need to hand as the projects continue to develop.
This will add further to Energia Renewables’ engagement with local communities, which has taken place over the past two years, including public information clinics and consultation. It also comes at an important time as Energia Renewables recently successfully completed surveying for both offshore wind projects making them the most advanced projects in Ireland both regionally and nationally.
Speaking on her new role, Jodie Neary said, “I’m delighted to start my new career with Energia Renewables working on our exciting offshore wind projects which are really important for the future of our country. With over 12 years’ experience in politics, including as a local representative, climate action has been a huge focus of mine and I have been involved with many local projects contributing to sustainability and biodiversity. Now as part of the Energia Renewables team, I’m really pleased that I can continue to support local communities on their decarbonisation journey. It’s very important to me that these projects will contribute to a better and more sustainable Ireland for everyone.”
“As we continue to engage with local communities, I want to maintain a focus on local solutions. In Wicklow, I will work to maintain my close working relationships with community groups and extend these relationships into Wexford. In Waterford, there are brilliant community groups who are doing amazing work on the ground to protect local biodiversity and marine health. Already, I’ve met with local environmental groups in Tramore and other towns and villages and we will continue to engage with local stakeholders around the coast to learn about their work and hear their views.”
“Last year, Energia Renewables and Waterford Chamber announced a multi-annual sustainable energy partnership. Both the Chamber and Energia are committed to climate action and to advancing the ambition of Waterford becoming a carbon neutral city by 2040, in line with the Waterford Green Deal agenda. All of us at Energia share people’s concern for Ireland’s future. We want the North Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea offshore wind projects to be part of a collective response to our national and local climate goals. Together, we can revolutionise the path to decarbonisation and I’m looking forward to working with everyone who is interested in this climate action imperative.” Jodie Neary served most recently as an elected Wicklow County Councillor for the Social Democrats prior to which she was a Parliamentary Assistant in Dáil Éireann for over a decade.
Offshore Stakeholder and Communications Manager