Wind Energy – Sceirde Rocks Windfarm
Sceirde Rocks Windfarm, Corio’s landmark project off the west coast of Ireland, has submitted its application for consent to Ireland’s planning authority, An Bord Pleanála.
The submission marks an important step forward to delivering clean, renewable energy for the people of Ireland and supporting the government’s target of sourcing 80% of the nation’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
It is also a milestone achievement for the whole Sceirde Rocks Windfarm project team, who have worked tirelessly for almost three years to compile the comprehensive submission, informed by a wealth of data surveys, analysis and community engagement activity.
Project Director Paul Concannon said: “Sceirde Rocks Windfarm has the potential to deliver enduring benefits to Ireland and to local communities in Galway – reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions, improving energy security, and stimulating vital investment in local skills, employment, infrastructure, and business development.”
“We are proud to be a part of the unique communities of West Galway and proud to be playing a part in Ireland’s clean energy future. We look forward to having the opportunity to make a significant contribution to local and regional growth and the delivery of much-needed clean, renewable energy.”
As the first offshore wind farm proposed for Ireland’s west coast – the five other projects currently proposed for development are all situated off the eastern coastline – Sceirde Rocks also has the potential to establish West Galway as a critical offshore wind hub for the west of Ireland over the longer term.
According to a report commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland in January 2024, the offshore wind sector as a whole could be worth up to €38bn to the Irish economy over the coming decades.
Sharn Ward, Head of Europe at Corio Generation, said: “Ireland is on the cusp of an offshore wind revolution that will have a transformative effect on its progress towards decarbonisation, lowering its consumption of imported fossil fuels and boosting its energy independence. This is the start of a journey that will not only help Ireland’s commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change but also drive major investment in national infrastructure, supply chain companies, and local and regional communities.”
Subject to consent being granted, construction of the wind farm is currently expected to begin in 2026 with the first generation of electricity from 2030.
