A West Clare Councillor believes ‘infrastructure work’ is needed in the area to facilitate a new offshore wind project.
It’s after Mainstream Renewable Power, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, announced it’s currently developing a site 20 kilometres from the county’s coastline.
The new project is being described as ‘significant’ and is designed to support the Government’s carbon emissions targets for the electricity sector by 2030.
The site that’s being developed off Clare’s waters is further offshore than the majority of other projects currently being explored across the Irish coastline.
Mainstream say it’s now awaiting a foreshore license to begin deep sea surveys to determine the seabed conditions, including water depth and sediment type, and to understand the natural habitats of the site.
Leo Quinn, who’s Senior Offshore Development Manager with the company, says the Maritime Planning Act has been progressive for the sector.
It’s understood engagement with local stakeholders, such as community groups, port authorities and the local supply chain in West Clare is already underway.
Mainstream is now accepting expressions of interests from relevant parties who are prepared to contribute to the supply chain of the project.
A 15-year community benefit fund for the local coastal community is also planned if the project is given the green light.
It’s prompted fresh calls for greater infrastructure, in both temporary and permanent form, for the West of the county to ensure it can build communities from those gaining employment from the project.
Kilrush-based Independent Councillor Ian Lynch believes it could mean a significant population increase in certain areas, and this will have to be catered for.
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