The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report) describes the key elements of the North Celtic Sea project and how data will be gathered to inform the environmental assessment. The EIA scoping report also identifies the potential effects of the project on the surrounding onshore and offshore environment, all of which will be assessed by qualified experts. The scoping report can be viewed at www.northcelticseawind.ie.
The public consultation process runs from 16 May until 26 June inclusive and feedback is welcome from local communities and organisations across the south-east region.
As part of the consultation, Energia Renewables is holding public information events as follows:
An online exhibition is also available at: northcelticseaconsultation.ie
Details of how to provide feedback and an online questionnaire are available at: www.northcelticseawind.ie.
Launching the EIA Scoping Report, Dr. Caroline Roche, Offshore Environmental and Consents Manager with Energia Renewables said, “The North Celtic Sea project will make a positive contribution to decarbonising and securing our energy supply and will generate clean electricity to power approximately 700,000 Irish homes and businesses.
“The publication of our Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report is a key step as we progress the design of the North Celtic Sea offshore wind project. We understand that protection of the local environment is a key priority. This consultation is a good opportunity to learn more about the environmental aspects of offshore wind and how the North Celtic Sea project will be developed in line with best environmental management practice.
“We welcome feedback on the scoping report and look forward to discussing the North Celtic Sea project with people throughout the consultation period. We’re committed to ongoing consultation as this project progresses and we thank everyone who has engaged with us to date.”
Energia Renewables achieved a major milestone in late 2022 with the successful completion of seabed surveys off the coast of Co. Waterford - making the North Celtic Sea project one of the most advanced projects planned for Irish waters.
The project team is continuing to conduct ongoing onshore and offshore environmental surveys including seabird and marine mammal surveys, with further ecology and hydrographic studies starting soon. The information from these studies will help inform the design of the wind farm, its location, size, and connection to the electricity grid. Further consultations will take place over the coming months to share progress on the project design.
Energia’s community and fisheries liaison officers are available to discuss the North Celtic Sea project:
Contact:
Community Liaison Officer: Tel: 087 183 7452
Fisheries Liaison Officer: Tel: 021 203 1005
Web: www.northcelticseawind.ie
Email: info@northcelticseawind.ie
