Wexford communities asked to have their say on major offshore energy plans

Communities across south Wexford are being invited to have their say on plans for major new electricity infrastructure linked to future offshore wind development.

EirGrid has launched a 12-week public consultation on its Powering Up Offshore – South Coast programme, with potential infrastructure being considered in both Wexford and Cork.

The consultation includes possible landfall zones, offshore transmission cable corridors, offshore substations, grid connection areas and onshore cable routes.

The project is intended to provide the infrastructure needed to bring electricity generated by offshore wind farms into the national grid.

The current proposals relate to Tonn Nua, the first maritime area included in the Government’s South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for offshore renewable energy.

Once delivered, the infrastructure could support the connection of approximately 900 megawatts of offshore renewable energy — enough to power almost one million homes.

A number of public information events will take place in County Wexford as part of the consultation.

Open days are scheduled for:

• Carrig-on-Bannow Community Centre on Tuesday, October 13

• Gusserane Community Hall on Wednesday, October 14

• Tír Na Nóg, Wellingtonbridge on Thursday, November 5

All three events will run from 12pm until 8pm.

A mobile information unit will also visit Wexford on Wednesday, October 28, stopping at SuperValu in Wellingtonbridge from 10am to 1pm and Gusserane Community Hall from 2pm to 5pm.

EirGrid says local knowledge and public feedback will play an important role in shaping the next stage of the project.

Head of Public Engagement Sinéad Dooley said the consultation follows extensive technical and environmental studies and urged people living in affected communities to engage with the process.

The consultation runs until December 8, with submissions accepted online or by post.