Louth offshore wind project put on hold

Development of the Clogherhead Offshore Wind project, spearheaded by ESB and Parkwind, has been put on hold as the project awaits further policy direction from the government. While significant progress has been made on the eco project in recent years, including site investigations and environmental assessments, the future of the project now hinges on the designation of Marine Area Plans (DMAPs), a critical part of the government's strategic approach to offshore wind energy.

Site investigations at Clogherhead have been extensive, with offshore surveys carried out during 2022 and 2023, including geophysical and MetOcean surveys. These surveys have provided valuable data to inform the design of the wind farm, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the site’s potential for offshore wind energy generation.

The delay is a result of the government's plan-led approach to offshore wind energy development, which requires specific areas along Ireland’s coastline to be designated for such projects. This approach aims to ensure that offshore wind farms are built in the most suitable locations, balancing environmental considerations with the need to meet Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

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Despite the pause, ESB and Parkwind remain optimistic about the potential of the Clogherhead site. Both companies believe the site is ideally suited for offshore wind development and are closely monitoring any government announcements that could provide the clarity needed to move forward.

The development of offshore wind is a key component of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, which aims for 80% of the country’s electricity to be generated by renewable sources by 2030. 

Local communities, which have been kept informed through regular engagement by the developers, are encouraged to stay updated on the project’s progress.