Over the course of 2019 and 2020 ESB undertook an extensive site selection process for the entire coast of Ireland to identify potentially suitable sites for developing offshore wind farms.
The process involved preliminary assessments of both environmental and technical aspects with consideration for the various stakeholders and marine users who could potentially be impacted by both site investigation works and the ultimate development of the wind farm.
Loch Garman Offshore Wind Farm is one of ESB’s proposed development projects. The site is located approximately 10km off the Co. Wexford coast. The ultimate site will be refined over time and it is anticipated that the final wind farm area is likely to be in the order of 130-160km2 which is approximately 55-65% of the overall turbine array study area (subject to detailed layout / energy analysis). The expected capacity output of the project will be approximately 800MW which is enough energy to power up to 700,000 homes based on the wind prevalence in the area.
In January 2021, ESB submitted a Foreshore License application to the Department
of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The grant of a Foreshore Licence will convey the right to undertake preliminary survey work and
site investigation studies for what could be the location of the Loch Garman Offshore Wind Farm.
Such site investigation studies relate to the potential turbine array site, the cable corridor and the cable landfall areas. The results of the proposed survey work, in conjunction with other desktop studies, will assist in determining the feasibility of developing an offshore wind farm at this location.
The survey work will be used to inform the optimal area for the wind farm within the study site and will also provide baseline data for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process. Should the site be deemed suitable for an offshore wind farm, ESB aims to seek planning permission for the project at the appropriate time under the terms of the Marine Area Planning Bill which was enacted in 2021.
The Loch Garman Offshore Wind Foreshore Licence application public consultation runs from 17th May 2023 to 15th June 2023.
Full details of the Foreshore Licence Application, together with all supporting documentation, are available to view at this link.
Members of the public who wish to make a submission or observation in writing concerning the proposed project may do so between 17th May 2023 and 15th June 2023 (quoting ref: FS007135) 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 15th June 2023.
Hard Copies will be made available at
