Irish Environmental Groups Advocate for Sustainable Offshore Wind Development In Wicklow

Blue Ireland, a coalition of local environmental groups across Wicklow has been formed to safeguard Ireland’s marine ecosystems and coastal communities as the country accelerates offshore wind energy developments.

Blue Ireland have said they support renewable energy development but want it done right. 

A Blue Ireland spokesperson confirmed that their objectives align with those of the World Wildlife Fund, which states: “Offshore renewable infrastructure is still infrastructure. It needs to be subject to best-practice planning and design and requires rigorous evaluation using both environmental impact, assessments and strategic environmental assessments.”

The first four projects listed below have applied for planning permission to An Bord Pleanála in the last few months.

The final two are expected to apply before the end of the year. 

• Oriel Wind Park (Dundalk, Louth)

• Codling Wind Park, (Bray/Greystones/Wicklow) 

• Arklow Bank Wind Farm (South Wicklow/Wexford)

• North Irish Sea Array Ltd, (Skerries/Balbriggan, Dublin)

• Dublin Array (Bray and Kish Banks, South Dublin and Wicklow)

• Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta (Sceirde Rocks, Connemara, Galway)

Blue Ireland warns that Ireland risks repeating past mistakes with developer-led planning.

The group cites alarming biodiversity losses, such as a 46% decline in Harbour Porpoise populations and continued threats to seabirds like puffins and kittiwakes.