By Gordon Deegan

A total of €1.4bn is going to be the ‘significant initial investment’ in a planned 450 MW windfarm with 30 turbines over 1,000 ft high in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Conamara.

That is according to new planning documents lodged with An Bord Pleanála concerning Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta’s planned Sceirde Rocks windfarm on waters located 5km to 11.5m km off the west coast with Carna in Galway the nearest settlement.

The board is due to make a decision on the application on July 28.

On the Economic and Social Benefits of the project, planning consultants, MKO Planning and Environmental Consultants stated that the significant initial investment of around €1.4bn will be “in a rural coastal area, in the offshore renewable energy industry, which is essential for diversifying the energy sector, contributing to the revitalisation of the rural economy and delivering on climate and energy targets”.

The report states that during the lifetime of the proposed development, it is expected that around €2.4bn will be spent on the development, construction, operation and decommissioning.

It also claims that companies and organisations across Galway are estimated to be awarded contracts worth approximately €430m, the Atlantic Region €587m, and nationally €708m.

MKO state that during the construction phase, 610 jobs will be created, generating €53m Gross Value Added (GVA) in Ireland.

The report states that the development and construction process of an offshore wind farm “is a labour-intensive process which provides high-skilled construction, engineering, and maritime employment”.

MKO states that the operational phase of the offshore windfarm “is less labour intensive, nonetheless operational and maintenance work provide a variety of stable, long-term jobs across different sectors”.

The planning report predicts that, in an average year, the operational expenditure on the proposed development is expected to support 130 jobs and €8m GVA per annum in Ireland.

The report states that “this value chain includes major international and local wind energy developers, operating alongside a host of local businesses and suppliers”.

MKO state that in light of the national ambition to develop the offshore wind energy sector in Ireland, the proposed offshore windfarm “will serve as a pathway project for future offshore wind projects off the west coast and beyond”.

The project is the first offshore windfarm off Ireland’s west coast to go through to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission and is to power 350,000 Irish homes, save an estimated 550,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, and invest up to €70m in local community initiatives.

The planning report states that “offshore wind energy developments are an integral part of Ireland’s plan to decarbonise our economy and society, mitigating against the negative impacts and financial burden of climate change on future generations.

The report states that subject to development permission and other timelines, it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2026 and take approximately 40 months.

The 152-page report states that the proposed development is strongly supported by international, national, regional and local policies “aimed at achieving the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy, increasing renewable energy generation, and enhancing energy security”.

The applicant company is a joint venture between the Australian based Macquarie Group and global infrastructure investor, the Ontario Teachers Pension Board.

The board is due to make a decision on July 28.