Cork HarbourA floating offshore wind developer, Simply Blue Group, has appointed Captain Brian FitzGerald as Director of External Affairs and Stakeholder Liaison, Ireland.
Captain Fitzgerald will represent the company, focusing on the Emerald and Western Star portfolios, as exemplars in community engagement and trust building.
Having served at sea all around Ireland for much of his career, Capt. FitzGerald brings additional sea-borne perspectives to Simply Blue. His love of the sea, desire to protect Ireland’s maritime interests and his extensive career experience, make him an excellent fit for its external relations and stakeholder liaison role.
Capt. FitzGerald said: “Simply Blue offers the opportunity to address the challenge of climate change and energy security, by harnessing the abundance of offshore wind and wave resource that Ireland possesses. In meeting this vital challenge, I am delighted to be able to work with south and west coast communities and stakeholders as part of a collective effort to protect our future. It is through our values of responsibility, integrity, courage, diversity and passion that we will achieve that.
Val Cummins, Project MD of Simply Blue Energy Kinsale, said: “Floating offshore wind provides Ireland with the opportunity to address climate change and to develop a whole new economic sector. As a blue economy developer, we are deeply committed to meaningful community engagement. Brian’s experience and passion for the sustainable development of Ireland’s offshore wind resource bring further value and credibility to our Irish team”.
Capt. FitzGerald enjoyed a long and successful career with Ireland’s Naval Service including two periods as a ship’s Captain before ultimately serving as the Navy’s Operational Commander.
He also obtained specialist qualifications in Maritime Law, Mediation and Public Relations and to his wide-ranging naval qualifications. In addition to his ‘islander’s’ perspective and championing of the Cork Harbour region as Ireland’s Maritime Quarter is well known.
Earlier this year, Simply Blue Group announced a joint venture partnership with Shell. This will see the development of the Emerald floating wind farm off the Cork coast in the vicinity of the Kinsale gas field, which is currently being decommissioned.
Simply Blue is also developing the Western Star floating wind and wave project off West Clare.