It’s hoped certainty will be brought to developers later this year for projects that could potentially transform Clare’s economy and Ireland’s energy production.
It follows the inaugural ‘Energising Clare’ conference, which saw industry leaders descend on this county.
The ‘Energising Clare’ event, which was organised by Ennis Chamber in conjunction with Wind Energy Ireland aimed to highlight the barriers and opportunities to developing of Clare’s coast.
It’s estimated the Shannon Estuary alone has the potential to generate 30 GW (Gigga-Watts) of green electricity by 2050, enough to supply Ireland’s national gird five times over.
To do this, a Designated Maritime Area Plan (D-MAP) is needed to zone sites specifically for offshore wind without harming local marine life or the environment.
Wind Energy Ireland CEO, Noel Cunniffe says investment in people and infrastructure is needed.
The ESB is currently converting Moneypoint to a green energy hub, which could power 1.6 million homes by 2030.
This project hit an early stumbling block though, when Norweigan firm Equinor pulled out of the joint venture in 2021, over frustration with the Irish planning system.
Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley, who has taken on the role of overseeing Fisheries and the Marine under the Departments of Agriculture and the Environment, says it’s crucial these issues are addressed to secure new jobs in the region.
You can listen to the full interview here:
