A new photomontage displaying an upcoming large-scale offshore wind farm off the coast of Connemara in Co Galway has alarmed opponents. The visualization of the Sceirde Rocks wind farm only strengthens the existing apprehensions. The concerns revolve around the vastness and closeness of the turbines to the coast, along with the potential negative impacts on historical and scientific landmarks, tourism, and fishing—all key to supporting the local communities. This has been outlined in a petition initiated by the local citizens.
Developers Corio are set to position the closest of the proposed 30 turbines at a distance of 5km. Locals, however, accuse the developers of potential harm to the marine environment in the course of this ambitious project. Following the release of the photomontage on the joint Corio/Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta website, the signatories to the petition reached 905 by the subsequent Friday.
Worth €1.5 billion and with a 450 megawatt capacity, this pioneering wind farm off the western seaboard is set to supply electricity to 350,000 homes. The plan is to finalize a planning application within this year. Corio has also pledged an annual €3.5 million to a community fund totalling €70 million.
The photomontage portrays the current landscapes and the prospective views with the installed turbines from various points such as the Sky Road near Clifden, Connemara Golf Club at Ballyconneely, Gurteen Bay, Mweenish Cemetery, Lettermullan, and Inis Mór—one of the Aran Islands. The images capture some of the most scenic areas of south Connemara.
According to Mark South, a resident of Mweenish near Carna, the locals are shocked by the proposed plans. While the maps gave them an initial idea of the visual impact, seeing the photomontage left a stronger impression. South conceded that there is indeed a dire need for renewable energy sources given the current climate crisis. However, he emphasized that such projects need to be executed responsibly in order not to damage the few remaining ecosystems.
Val Freeman from Coastal Concern Alliance voiced serious concern over the negative visual repercussions of legacy projects neglected by the Government. He indicated that the developers’ choices, made 25 years ago when shallow water was the only available option, were being aggressively endorsed by the Government without adequate planning or environmental assessment. He added that environmental strategy was deficient and the approach to the ecosystem was missing.
Elin Payne of Ard Thiar, Carna, expressed shock at the photomontage, critiquing the exclusion of a view from Mace Pier, the most proximate point to the famed St. MacDara’s Island. This key site, situated roughly halfway between the mainland and the turbines, is cherished for its historical significance and ancient Christian church. Payne indicated that in relation to this island, the turbines would be an overbearing presence.
An upcoming wind farm plan involves the installation of turbines measuring a staggering 325 metres in height, placed 5km to 11.5km off the coast. Project director of Sceirde Rocks wind farm, Tim Coffey, suggests that this wind farm is a monumental endeavour for Ireland, promising substantial investment and job opportunities for Connemara and the larger Galway area.
Further records for wind farms were achieved in March due to gusty conditions. Corio is in the process of carrying out comprehensive impact evaluations to support its planning application, with an intention to make this publicly accessible. The submission to An Bord Pleanála will include a meticulously prepared environmental impact assessment report and a Natura impact statement.