The CEO of Wind Energy Ireland says offshore projects in Clare are not progressing fast enough.
Industry leaders, stakeholders and politicians gathered in this county for a conference aimed at advancing major renewable projects.
Organised by Ennis Chamber, the second annual Energising Clare Conference took place at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis today.
The event heard from leaders in the renewable energy sector, the Department of Energy and the Environment and key stakeholders within ESB and Clare County Council.
In the last year alone, wind energy generated in Clare was responsible for 5% of electricity nationwide.
However, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe insists this county’s offshore potential isn’t progressing fast enough.
The Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce has previously identified the potential for 30 Gigga-Watts of renwable energy to be harnessed of Clare’s coast by 2050 and for 10,000 new jobs to created in the sector here by 2035.
All of this, however, is dependent on the completion of a Designated Maritime Area Plan, which is due to be published by 2027 and will outline exactly where offshore projects can be developed.
Further concerns about Clare’s off-shore future were noted last April after the developer behind the €1.4bn Sceirde Projects pulled out due to concerns with the seabed.
Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment Timmy Dooley says the D-MAP will be complete on time and steps have been taken to ensure certainty of future developments.
It’s estimated that renewable energy providers accounted for €3.6m worth of commercial rates paid in Clare last year.
ESB Strategic Stakeholder Lead for Generation and Trading, Seán Hegarty is confident more progress will be seen here in the near future.
Listen to the full interview here
