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Energia appointed a team of Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLOs) in 2019, who have been engaging with the fishing industry in the area for over 18 months. We have been carrying out pier visits to understand the views, concerns and needs of the local fishing communities and to gain an appreciation of their fishing activities.
We are committed to continuing this engagement and to co-existence with the fishing community throughout all stages of the proposed project. Input from the fishing community will play a key role in the survey planning process, the wind farm design process and the identification of appropriate mitigation measures.
Monthly AFLOAT surveys are currently being carried out to better understand the level, pattern and seasonality of fishing in the area.
The information gathered from meetings with the fishing community and surveys is a key component in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The EIA will assess the impacts of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the project on fish and shellfish ecology, commercial and recreational fisheries and aquaculture and where significant impacts are identified, measures must be put in place to mitigate these impacts.
As the project progresses, a longer-term co-existence strategy will be developed and agreed with local fishing interests and will identify reasonable measures to mitigate any potential impacts.
Once operational, a multi-million annual community benefit fund will be put in place and could support initiatives like:
• Stock or hatchery enhancement programmes and research grants
• Port and pier infrastructure and equipment upgrades (e.g. cold stores, lighting, security,
lifting equipment, pier ladders)
• Health and safety training and equipment
• Upskilling and diversification grants
• Grants for fisheries or seafood micro enterprises
We are facing a global climate emergency. Rising temperatures are causing environmental degradation and natural disasters of increasing intensity.
In Ireland, Met Éireann and the Marine Institute have observed not only increased levels of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide but also increased ocean acidity and higher ocean temperatures. Our ocean species and ecosystems are responding to these changes.
As the ultimate cost of climate change reaches irreversible highs, now is the time for collective action.
We must act now to harness the power of nature and address climate change.
Global Climate Emergency
& Ireland’s Response
We welcome your feedback on the South Irish Sea project.
The easiest way to provide feedback is via the online feedback form.
All feedback will be fully considered by Energia and be taken into account in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) that will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála as part of our planning application.
You can also contact our Liaison Officers via phone or send us your feedback by post.
Thank you for attending this online exhibition.
Post :South Irish Sea Manager, Energia Renewables, 3rd Floor, Mill House, Ashtown Gate, Navan Road, Ashtown, Dublin 15.
Tel:0871837452
We welcome your feedback on the South Irish Sea project.
The easiest way to provide feedback is via the online feedback form.
All feedback will be fully considered by Energia and be taken into account in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) that will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála as part of our planning application.
You can also contact our Liaison Officers via phone or send us your feedback by post.
Thank you for attending this online exhibition.
submitt feedback here
What is happening now?
Since early 2020, we have been undertaking bird and marine mammal surveys and fisheries, archaeological, navigation and grid assessments.
Energia made a Foreshore Licence Application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in 2019 for the South Irish Sea project to enable geotechnical, geophysical, meteorological and oceanographic data collection. This licence was granted in September 2021 allowing these surveys to commence in the near future. A series of further environmental and technical surveys will be carried out over the coming years.
The data collected will inform the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the design of the project.
The EIA process will continue as we work towards a planning application in 2023. The purpose of the EIA is to gather and assess information on the environment and to assess the impacts that the proposed wind farm may have on the environment. Where significant impacts are identified, measures must be put in place to mitigate these impacts. Every stage of the project must be assessed as part of the EIA – construction, operation and decommissioning.
Energia has appointed an experienced project team which includes Community and Fisheries Liaison Officers who are continuing to engage and consult with all members of the community. This first public consultation is an opportunity to learn about the South Irish Sea project, meet the team, and provide feedback.
Community Benefit
We have a long history of supporting the communities in which we operate. Our ambition is to create a lasting legacy for local communities and the best way of doing this is by working in partnership.
A community benefit fund will be established for the benefit of communities in proximity to the South Irish Sea project.
Guidance on how this will work will be set out in the Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). However Energia will ensure there are opportunities for local communities to shape the fund, including the communities to be covered by it and other eligibility criteria. Under RESS, a typical offshore wind farm will provide a multi-million euro community benefit fund annually for local projects for a fifteen year period.
Energia will work in partnership with local communities, the fishing community, and other stakeholders to assess the needs and requirements of the local area and to identify suitable projects and initiatives which can be supported through the funds, ensuring that local communities benefit in an optimal way.
Energia – Positive Energy
Energia is one of Ireland’s leading energy companies, providing electricity and gas to over 800,000 homes and businesses across the island. We currently supply approximately 20% the island of Ireland’s total energy and are responsible for approximately 25% of wind power capacity installed on the island. We’re the power behind schools, hospitals, public lighting and every aspect of life that needs energy to make things happen.
We have invested over €1bn in energy generation and supply infrastructure to date on the island. As a long-term operator of renewable energy projects, we understand the importance of building lasting relationships with the communities we serve.
Through our Positive Energy programme for Ireland, we have made a major commitment to delivering energy sustainability through renewable resources. In order to further increase our contribution to Ireland’s positive energy future, we are currently developing wind energy, solar energy, hydrogen production, bioenergy plants and battery storage projects.
Energia is supporting Ireland’s climate action target to reduce carbon emissions by half by 2030 and becoming a carbon neutral country by 2050. Our ambition is to remain a strong force for positive change within the energy industry and society in Ireland.
Environmental, Employment and Economic Benefits
• Supply clean electricity to over 500,000
homes.
• Reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas
emissions and provide a cleaner
environment.
• Contribute towards Ireland’s 70% renewable
energy target.
• Enhance energy security for Ireland.
• A €2bn project level investment delivering
€500m into the regional and national
economy.
• Provide significant employment
opportunities both during construction
and its 25-year operational life:
• c. 800 jobs during construction,
• 70-100 full-time local jobs during
operation for 25 years’
• Local operations and maintenance
base(s).
• Unlock new infrastructure investment in
Ireland’s ports and maritime industries and
offer significant supply chain opportunities
for local businesses.
• Provide a substantial multi-million euro
community benefit fund annually
supporting community and fisheries
initiatives, for example enhance port
and pier infrastructure, upgrade sports
facilities, restore cultural heritage sites, and
provide upskilling and diversification grants.
Global Climate Emergency
& Ireland’s Response
We are facing a global climate emergency. Rising temperatures are causing environmental degradation and natural disasters of increasing intensity. In Ireland, Met Éireann and the Marine Institute have observed not only increased levels of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide but also increased ocean acidity and higher ocean temperatures.
Our ocean species and ecosystems are responding to these changes.
As the ultimate cost of climate change reaches irreversible highs, now is the time for collective action.
We must act now to harness the power of nature and address climate change.
In 2019, Ireland was the second country in the world to declare a climate emergency.
Our Climate Action Plan, which followed this declaration, is a key element of government policy and sets out a reduction in carbon emissions of 51% over the period to 2030. The Programme for Government set a target of 5GW of offshore wind to be built by 2030, off the south and east coasts, in order to achieve this target.
Offshore wind energy projects which provide clean, affordable and reliable energy are needed to decarbonise our energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions – protecting our environment for current and future generations.
Your Liaison Officers
As a leading energy supplier, a responsible owner and long-term operator of renewable energy projects, Energia understands the importance of building lasting relationships with the communities we serve.
We have appointed a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) who is available to discuss the project with all interested individuals and community organisations. Our Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLOs) are working closely with the fishing community and maritime interest stakeholders.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our liaison officers via their contact details.
Environmental Surveys
We are undertaking a range of surveys, some on-going, some planned for the near future:
Physical Environment: We will be undertaking offshore surveys to gather data on water depth, seabed features (e.g. sand waves, reeds), sediment type (e.g. sand, mud, gravel, rock), wind speed and general sea conditions. These types of surveys will help determine whether the site is suitable and if so, the most suitable turbine positions, foundation types and cable routes. We will also be carrying out a range of onshore studies over the coming 18 months.
Ecological: We are currently undertaking bird and marine mammals surveys, these have been on-going since early 2020 and will continue for at least two years. We will be carrying out surveys to determine the habitats and species on and in the seabed and in the water column, in the intertidal areas where the cables may come ashore and along the onshore cable route and substation location.
Socio & Economic: These surveys will focus on the human elements of the project. We are currently undertaking fishing activity surveys, and archaeological, navigation and grid assessments within the study area. Further upcoming surveys will include landscape and visuals, traffic and navigation surveys, noise and vibration surveys, archaeology and cultural heritage, socio-economic and amenity studies.
Further information on upcoming marine surveys and site investigations is available here.
Project Components
The main parts of an offshore wind farm are the wind turbines, the cables and the substations (offshore and onshore).
Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and convert the energy into electricity. The electricity produced by the turbines is then transferred through cable arrangements to an offshore substation.
Transformers housed in the offshore substation will increase the voltage for delivery of this power to shore via export submarine cables. From there, the electric power is transferred to the electricity grid via underground cables and an onshore substation.
An operations and maintenance facility will also be located locally to manage and service the wind farm.
At this early stage of the project and in advance of the site surveys, it has not yet been determined what types of foundations, turbines, cabling or substations would be suitable for the site. Further information on these elements will be made available as the project develops and at future consultation phases.
Project Introduction
Ireland has a positive opportunity when it comes to offshore renewable energy. Favourable wind speeds and sea conditions provide an ideal environment for generating green electricity offshore. We must develop this vital natural resource to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and to put Ireland on the path to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
As a leading Irish provider of renewable energy projects, and through our Positive Energy programme, Energia is proposing the South Irish Sea project to support Ireland’s climate action needs, to provide security of supply and to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
South Irish Sea is an offshore renewable energy project proposed to be located a minimum of 10km and up to 25km off the coasts of Wexford and south Wicklow. The project will harness the power of nature and supply clean electricity for Irish homes and businesses.
While the overall size of the project has yet to be determined at this early stage of the project, a typical wind farm of 600-800MW would consist of approximately 40 to 60 turbines.
As a leading energy supplier, a responsible owner and long-term operator of renewable energy projects, Energia understands the importance of building lasting relationships with the communities we serve.
We have appointed a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) who is available to discuss the project with all interested individuals and community organisations. Our Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLOs) are working closely with the fishing community and maritime interest stakeholders.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our liaison officers via their contact details.
Public Consultation & Engagement
Public consultation forms a key part of the project development process and will enable everyone to provide feedback on the design of the project.
This first public consultation period runs from 19th October to 26th November. This is the first of three non-statutory consultations to be held between now and 2023. The purpose of this consultation is to provide information on the project and introduce the team. Members of the public are invited to attend a live webinar on the South Irish Sea project on Tuesday 9th November 7pm-8pm or to book time to speak with a member of the team during the week of 15th November - 19th November. To register please click here.
Our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) are also available to discuss the project with all interested members of the community.
Once a planning application is made, An Bord Pleanála will hold a statutory public consultation period where members of the public can make submissions directly to the authority in relation to the planning application.
Further to our ongoing project level engagement, we look forward to playing a key role in the industry level engagement to be facilitated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the coming months. This group aims to establish a Seafood ORE Working Group to develop a framework for communication and a set of guidelines for interactions between both industries, to identify opportunities for mutually beneficial co-existence and to agree best practice measures for harmonious and safe operations at sea.
Fisheries Liaison
Energia appointed a team of Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLOs) in 2019, who have been engaging with the fishing industry in the area for over 18 months. We have been carrying out pier visits to understand the views, concerns and needs of the local fishing communities and to gain an appreciation of their fishing activities.
We are committed to continuing this engagement and to co-existence with the fishing community throughout all stages of the proposed project. Input from the fishing community will play a key role in the survey planning process, the wind farm design process and the identification of appropriate mitigation measures.
Monthly AFLOAT surveys are currently being carried out to better understand the level, pattern and seasonality of fishing in the area.
The information gathered from meetings with the fishing community and surveys is a key component in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The EIA will assess the impacts of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the project on fish and shellfish ecology, commercial and recreational fisheries and aquaculture and where significant impacts are identified, measures must be put in place to mitigate these impacts.
As the project progresses, a longer-term co-existence strategy will be developed and agreed with local fishing interests and will identify reasonable measures to mitigate any potential impacts.
Once operational, a multi-million annual community benefit fund will be put in place and could support initiatives like:
• Stock or hatchery enhancement programmes and research grants
• Port and pier infrastructure and equipment upgrades (e.g. cold stores, lighting, security,
lifting equipment, pier ladders)
• Health and safety training and equipment
• Upskilling and diversification grants
• Grants for fisheries or seafood micro enterprises
Sports and Recreation
Public open spaces and sports and recreational facilities are key elements in ensuring a good quality of life is achieved for all members of the community. They also enhance the overall attractiveness of a place and provide places for active and passive open space. The network of Green and Blue infrastructure (the rivers, canals, parks and connecting neighbourhoods) provide an ecological and leisure function that can be both protected and enjoyed.
The Draft Plan includes policy support in the continued promotion, provision and management of high quality sporting and recreational infrastructure throughout Limerick, in accordance with the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, Limerick Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2018-2021, the National Physical Activity Plan (under preparation) and the Limerick Sports and Recreation Facilities Strategy (under preparation).
For more information and to view Chapter 9: Sustainable Communities and Social Infrastructure, click on the link provided.
Healthy Place Making
The concept of healthy place making is a cross cutting theme throughout the Draft Plan, linking the way in which spaces become places. Healthy place making influences directly on quality of life, through the facilitation of healthy lifestyles and generating a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Limerick is part of the Healthy Cities and Counties Network and is actively implementing the Healthy Ireland Strategy. In addition, the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA) is an action plan and a framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. Transposed from this framework is the Active Cities Framework and a targeted initiative across 8 locations in Ireland including Limerick coordinated by Sports Ireland and Limerick Sports Partnership. The Draft Plan supports the facilitation the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 in the development of the ‘Active City’ Initiative, in partnership with the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
For more information and to view Chapter 9: Sustainable Communities and Social Infrastructure, click on the link provided
Public Consultation & Engagement
Energia is one of Ireland’s leading energy companies, providing electricity and gas to over 800,000 homes and businesses across the island. We currently supply approximately 25% of Ireland’s total energy and 21% of renewable electricity in Ireland.
Energia is supporting Ireland’s climate action target to reduce carbon emissions by half by 2030 and becoming a carbon neutral country by 2050. Our ambition is to remain a strong force for positive change within the energy industry and society in Ireland.
Arts and Culture
The value of the arts to social, cultural and economic development and its impact, direct and indirect, on communities cannot be underestimated. The existing arts and cultural infrastructure, includes theatres, performance spaces, galleries and production spaces. The Draft Plan supports Limerick’s existing arts and cultural infrastructure and recognises the Council’s pivotal role in the promotion and encouragement of the arts and culture, while prioritising direction for future development and investment. Objectives within the Draft Plan include support for Limerick Cultural Strategy 2016-2030, Limerick Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 and Limerick City and County Heritage Plan 2030.
For more information and to view Chapter 9: Sustainable Communities and Social Infrastructure, click on the link provided
Public consultation forms a key part of the project development process and will enable everyone to provide feedback on the design of the project.
This first public consultation period runs from 19th October to 26th November. This is the first of three non-statutory consultations to be held between now and 2023. The purpose of this consultation is to provide information on the project and introduce the team. Members of the public are invited to attend a live webinar on the South Irish Sea project on Tuesday 9th November 7pm-8pm or to book time to speak with a member of the team during the week of 15th November - 19th November. To register please click here.
Our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) are also available to discuss the project with all interested members of the community.
Once a planning application is made, An Bord Pleanála will hold a statutory public consultation period where members of the public can make submissions directly to the authority in relation to the planning application.
Ireland has a positive opportunity when it comes to offshore renewable energy. Favourable wind speeds and sea conditions provide an ideal environment for generating green electricity offshore. We must develop this vital natural resource to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and to put Ireland on the path to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
As a leading Irish provider of renewable energy projects, and through our Positive Energy programme, Energia is proposing the South Irish Sea project to support Ireland’s climate action needs, to provide security of supply and to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
South Irish Sea is an offshore renewable energy project proposed to be located a minimum of 10km and up to 25km off the coasts of Wexford and south Wicklow. The project will harness the power of nature and supply clean electricity for Irish homes and businesses.
While the overall size of the project has yet to be determined at this early stage of the project, a typical wind farm of 600-800MW would consist of approximately 40 to 60 turbines.
Energia – Positive Energy
Energia is one of Ireland’s leading energy companies, providing electricity and gas to over 800,000 homes and businesses across the island. We currently supply approximately 20% the island of Ireland’s total energy and are responsible for approximately 25% of wind power capacity installed on the island. We’re the power behind schools, hospitals, public lighting and every aspect of life that needs energy to make things happen.
We have invested over €1bn in energy generation and supply infrastructure to date on the island. As a long-term operator of renewable energy projects, we understand the importance of building lasting relationships with the communities we serve.
Through our Positive Energy programme for Ireland, we have made a major commitment to delivering energy sustainability through renewable resources. In order to further increase our contribution to Ireland’s positive energy future, we are currently developing wind energy, solar energy, hydrogen production, bioenergy plants and battery storage projects.
Energia is supporting Ireland’s climate action target to reduce carbon emissions by half by 2030 and becoming a carbon neutral country by 2050. Our ambition is to remain a strong force for positive change within the energy industry and society in Ireland.
In 2019, Ireland was the second country in the world to declare a climate emergency.
Our Climate Action Plan, which followed this declaration, is a key element of government policy and sets out a reduction in carbon emissions of 51% over the period to 2030. The Programme for Government set a target of 5GW of offshore wind to be built by 2030, off the south and east coasts, in order to achieve this target.
Offshore wind energy projects which provide clean, affordable and reliable energy are needed to decarbonise our energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions – protecting our environment for current and future generations.
The main parts of an offshore wind farm are the wind turbines, the cables and the substations (offshore and onshore).
Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and convert the energy into electricity. The electricity produced by the turbines is then transferred through cable arrangements to an offshore substation.
Transformers housed in the offshore substation will increase the voltage for delivery of this power to shore via export submarine cables. From there, the electric power is transferred to the electricity grid via underground cables and an onshore substation.
An operations and maintenance facility will also be located locally to manage and service the wind farm.
At this early stage of the project and in advance of the site surveys, it has not yet been determined what types of foundations, turbines, cabling or substations would be suitable for the site. Further information on these elements will be made available as the project develops and at future consultation phases.
We are undertaking a range of surveys, some on-going, some planned for the near future:
Physical Environment: We will be undertaking offshore surveys to gather data on water depth, seabed features (e.g. sand waves, reeds), sediment type (e.g. sand, mud, gravel, rock), wind speed and general sea conditions. These types of surveys will help determine whether the site is suitable and if so, the most suitable turbine positions, foundation types and cable routes. We will also be carrying out a range of onshore studies over the coming 18 months.
Ecological: We are currently undertaking bird and marine mammals surveys, these have been on-going since early 2020 and will continue for at least two years. We will be carrying out surveys to determine the habitats and species on and in the seabed and in the water column, in the intertidal areas where the cables may come ashore and along the onshore cable route and substation location.
Socio & Economic: These surveys will focus on the human elements of the project. We are currently undertaking fishing activity surveys, and archaeological, navigation and grid assessments within the study area. Further upcoming surveys will include landscape and visuals, traffic and navigation surveys, noise and vibration surveys, archaeology and cultural heritage, socio-economic and amenity studies.
Further information on upcoming marine surveys and site investigations is available here.
Since early 2020, we have been undertaking bird and marine mammal surveys and fisheries, archaeological, navigation and grid assessments.
Energia made a Foreshore Licence Application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in 2019 for the South Irish Sea project to enable geotechnical, geophysical, meteorological and oceanographic data collection. This licence was granted in September 2021 allowing these surveys to commence in the near future. A series of further environmental and technical surveys will be carried out over the coming years.
The data collected will inform the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the design of the project.
The EIA process will continue as we work towards a planning application in 2023. The purpose of the EIA is to gather and assess information on the environment and to assess the impacts that the proposed wind farm may have on the environment. Where significant impacts are identified, measures must be put in place to mitigate these impacts. Every stage of the project must be assessed as part of the EIA – construction, operation and decommissioning.
Energia has appointed an experienced project team which includes Community and Fisheries Liaison Officers who are continuing to engage and consult with all members of the community. This first public consultation is an opportunity to learn about the South Irish Sea project, meet the team, and provide feedback.
Digital Connectivity and Limerick’s Digital Strategy
The Draft Plan provides support in developing Limerick’s digital infrastructure for a Smart City and County, and as a wider Smart Region including the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area, the Limerick Digital District and to progress Limerick’s ambition to be Ireland’s first digital City.
Broadband
High speed, cost-competitive, reliable broadband underpins economic development and contributes to a good quality of life for Limerick’s communities. The Draft Plan supports the delivery and implementation of the National Broadband Plan and further encourages the provision of WiFi zones in public places and Limerick’s participation in the WiFi4Eu programme.
For more information and to view Chapter 7: Infrastructure, click on the link provided
Circular Economy and Waste Management
The generation and management of waste is an everyday challenge. In our daily lives, we produce non‐hazardous, hazardous and sometimes toxic wastes. These wastes have the potential to impact negatively on our communities, our health, our environment and future generations if not managed appropriately. Limerick City and County Council is part of the Southern Waste Region. The Draft Plan supports the implementation of the Southern Regional Waste Management Plan 2015-2021 and any subsequent update, in rethinking our approach to managing waste.
While designing for waste prevention is the most desirable and effective option, waste that is generated can be accommodated in the circular economy reuse loop, through preparation for reuse, recycling and recovery. The Draft Plan supports innovative, smarter solutions and processes based on the principles of the circular economy to promote sustainable patterns of waste management.
For more information and to view Chapter 7: Infrastructure, click on the link provided.
Water and Waste Water
Water services infrastructure refers to the provision of a potable water supply and the disposal of wastewater. The quality and extent of water services are a determinant of quality of life and a precursor to a strong economy/business environment.
As guided by the RSES, water services is one element of the selection criteria for planning to accommodate future population growth and strategic employment growth at metropolitan, regional and local levels in Limerick. In the Draft Plan, water services is a key consideration in the settlement hierarchy and is pertinent to the zoning of lands across the city and the settlements across the County.
The Draft Plan aims to ensure adequate and appropriate water and wastewater infrastructure is available to cater for existing and proposed development, in collaboration with Irish Water, to avoid any deterioration in the quality of receiving waters and to ensure that discharge meets the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.
For more information and to view Chapter 7: Infrastructure, click on the link provided.
Evironmental, Employment and Economic Benefits
• Supply clean electricity to over 500,000 homes.
• Reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions and provide a
cleaner environment.
• Contribute towards Ireland’s 70% renewable energy target.
• Enhance energy security for Ireland.
• A €2bn project level investment delivering €500m into the
regional and national economy.
• Provide significant employment opportunities both during
construction and its 25-year operational life:
• c. 800 jobs during construction,
• 70-100 full-time local jobs during operation for 25 years’
• Local operations and maintenance base(s).
• Unlock new infrastructure investment in Ireland’s ports and
maritime industries and offer significant supply chain opportunities
for local businesses.
• Provide a substantial multi-million euro community benefit
fund annually supporting community and fisheries initiatives, for
example enhance port and pier infrastructure, upgrade sports
facilities, restore cultural heritage sites, and provide upskilling
and diversification grants.
We have a long history of supporting the communities in which we operate. Our ambition is to create a lasting legacy for local communities and the best way of doing this is by working in partnership.
A community benefit fund will be established for the benefit of communities in proximity to the South Irish Sea project.
Guidance on how this will work will be set out in the Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). However Energia will ensure there are opportunities for local communities to shape the fund, including the communities to be covered by it and other eligibility criteria. Under RESS, a typical offshore wind farm will provide a multi-million euro community benefit fund annually for local projects for a fifteen year period.
Energia will work in partnership with local communities, the fishing community, and other stakeholders to assess the needs and requirements of the local area and to identify suitable projects and initiatives which can be supported through the funds, ensuring that local communities benefit in an optimal way.