Voluntary organisation Blue Ireland is hosting a public meeting on Monday (April 7) to discuss the Dublin Array offshore wind farm planning application.
The meeting in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, is being held “in conjunction with community councils” to discuss the application and “to provide members of the public with the opportunity to discuss the proposed project”, the organisers state.
Blue Ireland describes itself as a “voluntary organisation with passionate individuals donating their time and expertise” and to “protect our environment for generations to come”.
As Afloat has previously reported, RWE Ireland, linked to German energy multinational RWE, has submitted a planning application for the Dublin Array to An Bord Pleanála.
Closing date for observations to An Bord Pleanála is May 7th.
The proposed wind farm will be located about 10 kilometres off the coast of counties Dublin and Wicklow, comprising between 39 and 50 wind turbines.
RWE Ireland, which recently opened offices in Dun Laoghaire, says it will have a total installed generation capacity of up to 824 megawatts (MW), allowing it to produce enough electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 770,000 typical homes in Ireland.
In an interview with Afloat, RWE's Head of Offshore Development Ireland & UK West Peter Lefroy said that he is aware of community concerns about the project and the company is open to discussing issues.
On a global level, in spite of tough financial conditions and political uncertainty, RWE is committed to proceeding, he said.
He says there is a substantial opportunity for Dun Laoghaire harbour, as the company hopes to establish its operational base there.
“We firmly believe the State has a need for this power,” he said, and the company is committed to using local supply chains and local staff where possible.
Public Meeting on Dublin Array Offshore Wind Farm in Dun Laoghaire on Monday
