A chairde,

The government has published 'The South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for offshore renewable energy' (SC-DMAP). This is its plan for offshore wind off the Waterford and Wexford coast. 

It is with deep disappointment that we must tell you that our recommendations to place some of the turbines further from shore have not been listened to or acted upon. Submissions from several thousand Waterford residents have been ignored. They plan to proceed with 1000ft wind turbines from up to 12.2km from shore. When the plan in its entirety is complete there will be over 400 turbines off the coast of Waterford and the south coast of Wexford.

Proper ecosystem-based planning involves the consideration of social, environmental and economic factors. If the government do not have turbines in the water by 2030 they will be fined by the EU. In the case of the SC-DMAP it seems that economic considerations are the driving force.

We are now assessing our options. If you have any suggestions as to how we should proceed please contact us at info@bluehorizon.ie

Regards,
BlueHorizon team