EirGrid is encouraging members of the public to submit their views on the delivery of offshore infrastructure for the south coast before the public consultation closes on Friday 24th January.
The operator of Ireland’s electricity grid commenced a ten-week public consultation in November to hear from people across the south coast, including County Waterford, regarding proposed on and offshore station locations, landfall locations and grid connection points which will be required to deliver the project.
As part of Ireland’s ambition to achieve its climate target of producing 80% of electricity from clean renewable sources as outlined in the Government’s Climate Action Plan, EirGrid has been tasked by Government to deliver a plan-led approach for connecting offshore wind to the electricity grid.
When delivered, the infrastructure will have the capacity to bring 900 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity onto the national grid which, EirGrid say, is enough to power nearly a million homes.
Submissions to the consultation can be made online or by post, and public information events have been held in-person and online in November and December to allow those interested to speak to EirGrid representatives and learn more about the proposals.
EirGrid will be holding another online information webinar on Monday 13th January from 7-8pm.
Speaking about the feedback to date, Michael Mahon, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer said: “The submissions we receive from the public, communities and businesses show us people want a say in how grid infrastructure is developed, and we are listening. We believe these offshore wind projects are a key opportunity for Ireland, both in meeting climate targets and creating lasting economic benefits for local communities.”
He added: “The electricity system is designed to meet the needs of communities and wider society, and as such, EirGrid seeks to place coastal and marine stakeholders at the heart of engagement for its offshore grid infrastructure."
For more information about Powering Up Offshore South Coast visit www.eirgrid.ie/offshore
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
