Energia has published the introductory phase public consultation report for the proposed offshore renewable energy project in the North Celtic Sea.
We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to learn about the project during the introductory consultation period in autumn 2021 and submitting their feedback. All feedback provided has been fully considered by the project team and will inform the project going forward.
During the consultation, there were over 7,690 views of the project website and 1,110 visits to the online exhibition room, culminating in a total of 121 submissions to the project team.
There was a clear understanding of the need for climate action expressed by respondents throughout the consultation. A wide selection of topics were raised in the feedback including the planning processes, project benefits, visual impacts and fishing. Responses by the project team to each topic are contained in the report.
Consultation with local communities, the fishing industry and all interested stakeholders forms a key part of the North Celtic Sea project and we are committed to ongoing engagement as the project progresses.
The introductory consultation period was the first of a number non-statutory public consultations that will be held as the project is developed. This was our first consultation since the award of our Foreshore Licence by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in September 2021. The public will also have an opportunity to submit views on the project at the statutory public consultation, which will happen when the planning application is submitted to An Bord Pleanála.
Throughout the development of the projects, the Fisheries Liaison Officer and Community Liaison Officer will continue to be available to discuss the project with the community. They can be contacted at any stage of the project using the contact details which are available at the bottom of the webpage.
You can check out the public consultation report here.
Offshore Stakeholder and Communications Manager