WEST CLARE is at risk of being “short-changed” when it comes to offshore wind projects while Kerry would take better “advantage” of Moneypoint if it was in their county, according to elected members of the Council.

Last week, plans for the 450MW Sceirde Rocks offshore windfarm off the coast of Clare and Galway after the developers Corio Generation and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan opted not to proceed with their plans for the €1.4bn project.

Offshore energy offers potential for Co Clare but the continued trend of developers leaving the field is a concern.

In 2021, ESB announced details of their future vision, Green Atlantic at Moneypoint, which will see the site redeveloped into a renewables hub which will include the commissioning of one of the largest Synchronous Condensors in the world, a 1,400 MW offshore wind farm, delivered in two phases, a wind turbine construction and service hub plus the development of green hydrogen production, storage and generation facility.

Equinor initially partnered with ESB on the project but withdrew in November 2021 citing local regulatory uncertainty. In 2022, energy giant Shell exited the Irish offshore wind energy market, having been working in partnership with Irish marine renewable energy developer, Simply Blue. In June 2023, ESB confirmed they would jointly develop with Ørsted an offshore wind energy farm portfolio off the west and east coast including Moneypoint.

In a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) requested a briefing with Clare County Council’s planning department to discuss applications on the installation of HV cables for offshore wind projects across the county’s landscape. This engagement was to focus on the Council’s statutory functions along with current and future projects.

He outlined, “We need to discuss the ins and outs of these projects”. Community funds for various projects is leaving Clare “short-changed and there is no doubt about it,” Lynch maintained. “Are we getting the economic boom to where these places are or is it all a talking shop,” he asked. “There was huge hope for the Maritime Centre, up until this week I’m convinced it is ten years away, there is nobody chomping at the bit, people are willing to invest in community fund but not the maritime centre,” the Kilrush representative added.

A clear outline on the requirements must be known, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) stressed. “How will our peninsula and clare gain from this, it is a bit late after application goes in to have possible gains for the county, we need to set out our stall”. He continued, “If Moneypoint was down in Kerry, you’d pay well to get into it because they would take full advantage of it”.

Related News

c8722ce4-f474-408b-abc7-5f17194ea745
Ennis Skin and Makeup Studio is the first to win an online presence award
willie clancy week 8
Willie Clancy week records biggest & busiest run in Miltown Malbay
clare gaa convention 12-12-19 48 pat o'brien
Cultural change & lack of young customers a big factor in closure of rural Clare pubs - O'Brien
jamaica inn 1
Teenage witness didn't see Gilligan hit boy but heard sound of wood smacking off him

Advertisement

Latest News
c8722ce4-f474-408b-abc7-5f17194ea745
Ennis Skin and Makeup Studio is the first to win an online presence award
willie clancy week 8
Willie Clancy week records biggest & busiest run in Miltown Malbay
naomh eoin v clondegad 12-10-24 mossy gavin odhran lynch 1
Intermediate teams profiled as championship commences as highly competitive bid to lift Talty Cup takes off
lissycasey v ennistymon 22-03-25 darren keane 1
Lissycasey can liven up senior campaign with big breakthrough
wolfe tones v doonbeg 17-05-25 dean devanney 2
Wolfe Tones ready to jump for senior stepping stone
Premium
naomh eoin v clondegad 12-10-24 mossy gavin odhran lynch 1
Intermediate teams profiled as championship commences as highly competitive bid to lift Talty Cup takes off
lissycasey v ennistymon 22-03-25 darren keane 1
Lissycasey can liven up senior campaign with big breakthrough
wolfe tones v doonbeg 17-05-25 dean devanney 2
Wolfe Tones ready to jump for senior stepping stone
ennistymon v corofin 07-03-25 eoin rouine 1
Emotional encounter awaits Ennistymon as they bid to bring burning desire to the fold
clare gaa convention 12-12-19 48 pat o'brien
Cultural change & lack of young customers a big factor in closure of rural Clare pubs - O'Brien

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.