Mainstream Renewable Power is investigating offshore wind farm potential to provide renewable energy off the coast of north Kerry and Clare. We are at the early feasibility stages of this project and would like to invite you to participate in a public consultation for our investigative foreshore licence.
Mainstream has defined an investigation area for offshore wind potential and is looking at constraints within the area. An investigative foreshore licence is needed to understand the ground conditions and the ecology and provide data to inform any environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment for any potential project.
Mainstream is asking for the public’s feedback on the study area through our statutory consultation on the area within our foreshore licence application. This will inform the public of the application area and provide an opportunity to give feedback on the application.
Speaking about the upcoming launch of the public consultation, Úna Brosnan, Head of Offshore Wind Ireland said “The development of the proposed offshore projects is important to enhance renewable energy generation and to reach Ireland’s climate change targets. We are asking for feedback within the foreshore or within 12 nautical miles or over 1 land mile. A virtual consultation room has been developed and all of the public consultation information can be viewed easily from there from the 12th July.”
All information about the public consultation, including a study area map, can be viewed on the project website www.southwestoffshorewind.ie or at a range of locations in Co. Kerry and Co. Clare. Submissions can be made electronically or by post up until the 12th July 2023 to the Foreshore Department.
After all known constraints have been identified, offshore windfarm layouts will be developed - during this process there will be another opportunity to give feedback and make submissions in relation to the proposal. Details of future public consultation events will be posted on the website www.southwestoffshorewind.ie and through media notices.
A copy of the application and documentation relevant to the application, are available for inspection for 30 calendar days, between 12th June 2023 and 12th July 2023, free of charge at:
• Garda Stations
Ballyheigue Garda Station, Buncurrig, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry. V92 WP73. Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm, Sunday 12.00pm to 2pm. Phone: (066) 7133122
Kilrush Garda Station, Ennis Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 Y191. Opening Hours: 24/7. Phone: (065) 9080550
• Offices of the planning authority
Kerry County Council, County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 H7VT. Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 066 7183500, Email: info@kerrycoco.ie
Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, County Clare, V95 DXP2. Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone: (065) 6821616, Email: customerservices@clarecoco.ie
• Local libraries
Clare Library Headquarters, Mill Road, Ennis, County Clare, V95 FX32. Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 5:00pm). Phone: 065 6821616. Email: library_mailbox@clarecoco.ie
Ballybunion Library, Sandhill Road, Ballybunnion, Co. Kerry. Opening Hours: Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.) Phone: (068) 27615. Email: ballybunion@kerrylibrary.ie
Members of the public who wish to make a submission or observation in writing concerning the proposed project may do so between 12th June and the 12th July 2023 (quoting ref: FS007375) to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Foreshore Section, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Newtown Road, Wexford, Co. Wexford or foreshoreORE@housing.gov.ie. The closing date for submissions is close of business (17.30) on 12th July 2023.
Mainstream Renewable Power is seeking feedback on offshore investigation areas as part of a foreshore licence application.
