There’s calls for a national taskforce to be established to prevent any potential barriers to offshore wind projects in Clare, following the withdrawal of the Sceirde Rocks scheme.
Corio’s decision to shelve the €1.4bn proposal over what’s understood to be engineering concerns has cast doubt over planned works off this county’s coast.
Less than one month ago, it was full steam ahead for the landmark 450 MW (Mega-Watt) windfarm, that predominantly would have been off the coast of Connemara, but would’ve been highly visible from Clare.
There also would have been grid and sea cable connections in Doonbeg and Killimer, and in March just gone, the developers even held a special briefing with Clare County Council to discuss the plans.
Pending the approval of planning permission, construction on the 30 turbines with heights of up to 324 metres, could have begun this year, but Corio has now pulled out over what’s understood to be engineering challenges with the seabed.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says lessons need to be learned so that future projects aren’t hampered by environmental uncertainty or planning delays.
You can listen to the full interview here:
The Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce has identified the potential for Clare’s coast to generate enough energy to supply the national grid five times over by 2050.
Among them is the Green Atlantic Moneypoint project, which has the potential to power over 1.5 million homes.
Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says the Government should be playing a greater role in ensuring offshore projects are viable.
Corio Generation has declined to comment on media reports about the Sceirde Rocks Windfarm.
