Moneypoint Offshore Wind

Background

Over the course of 2019 and 2020 ESB undertook an extensive site selection process for the entire coast of Ireland to identify potentially suitable sites for developing offshore wind farms.

The process involved preliminary assessments of both environmental and technical aspects with consideration for the various stakeholders and marine users who could potentially be impacted by both site investigation works and the ultimate development of the wind farm.

Moneypoint Offshore Wind Farm


Moneypoint Offshore Wind Farm is ESB’s flagship floating offshore wind development project proposed in Ireland. If developed, the project will be delivered in two phases. The first phase, Moneypoint Offshore One, is located 16km off the Clare/Kerry Coast. The expected capacity from the first phase is estimated to be 400MW with the final wind farm area likely to be in the order of 70km2. The second phase, Moneypoint Offshore Two would be located a further 20km west of Moneypoint Offshore One, taking the total project capacity to between 1GW – 1.5GW. The latter phase would have a likely area of 180km2.

The expected capacity output of the project as a whole could provide enough energy to power up to 1.5 million homes.

The Name

Poolbeg

The project will take its name from ESB’s Moneypoint Coal fired plant in Co. Clare, Ireland’s
largest electricity generation station to date. This plant was once a lifeline to the Irish electricity transmission system but with the aim to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gases, the coal plant is due
to cease operation in 2025. This wind farm is likely to connect into Moneypoint substation and utilise the spare capacity available following the coal plant closure. The evolution and transition
of this plant from coal to renewables will see the continued supply of electricity generation from this area but from a cleaner energy source.

Foreshore Licence Application

Map

In January 2021, ESB submitted a Foreshore License application to the Department
of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The grant of a Foreshore Licence will convey the right to undertake preliminary survey work and
site investigation studies for what could be the location of the Moneypoint Offshore Wind Farm.

Such site investigation studies relate to the potential turbine array site, the cable corridor and the cable landfall areas. The results of the proposed survey work, in conjunction with other desktop studies, will assist in determining the feasibility of developing an offshore wind farm at this location.

The survey work will be used to inform the optimal area for the wind farm within the study site and will also provide baseline data for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process. Should the site be deemed suitable for an offshore wind farm, ESB aims to seek planning permission for the project at the appropriate time under the terms of the Marine Area Planning Bill which was enacted in 2021.

The Moneypoint Offshore Wind Foreshore Licence application public consultation runs from 22nd May 2023 to 20th June 2023.

Members of the public who wish to make a submission or observation in writing concerning the proposed project may do so between 22nd May 2023 and 20th June 2023 (quoting ref: FS007137) to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Foreshore Section, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Newtown Road, Wexford, Co. Wexford or foreshoreORE@housing.gov.ie. The closing date for submissions is close of business (17.30) on 20th June 2023.

Full details of the Foreshore Licence Application, together with all supporting documentation, are available to view at this link.

Hard Copies will be made available at

  • Clare County Council, West Clare Municipal District, Kilrush Office
  • Kilrush Garda Station
  • Kilkee Library
  • Kerry County Council
  • Listowel Garda Station