Sir – The term “offshore” often inaccurately depicts wind turbines as many wind farms currently being considered can be more appropriately termed as “nearshore”. There are instances where these are considerably near the shore, epitomised by the planned offshore wind farm, Sceirde Rocks, in Connemara. This project consists of 30 turbines, each surpassing 300m in height with the nearest one, a mere 5km from the shore.
The apparent intrusion into this region, famous for its picturesque sceneries, is unwelcome. The invisible concerns—potential underwater environmental damages—are worrying, especially given the challenge in their real-time tracking.
Nearshore regions generally represent shallow marine areas providing adequate sunlight and nutrient mixing which aids colossal biodiversity. They are key to the ocean, serving as breeding, feeding, and foraging grounds for fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. These zones are critical habitats offering irreplaceable marine ecosystems such as seagrass beds, reefs, kelp, and sandbanks—vital in preserving marine health and carbon capture. Moreover, they are pivotal to the livelihood of fishermen and women.
The Sceirde Rocks wind farm project plans to deploy fixed gravity-based foundations, up to 50m in diameter, on a shallow region near the west Connemara shoreline. It’s disturbing that the proposed wind farm of 30 turbines, lies largely within the Area of Interest for Marine Protected Area Designation identified by Fair Seas in 2022. This area encloses parts of the Galway Bay and Islands and in certain areas, is in close proximity or even adjoining protected Natura 2000 sites.
Considering the required levelling of seabed to install turbine and substation foundations and the trenching needed for cable laying, it’s challenging to see how catastrophic damage to the seabed and associated habitats can be averted. Such damage poses severe threats to the species reliant on these habitats.
I, along with many others, am deeply concerned about protecting Connemara’s unspoilt, delicate coastal environment for future generations. It is crucial that offshore renewable energy projects are strategically placed in authentic offshore locations as determined by ecosystem-based marine spatial planning.
Yours sincerely,
Hugh Ryan,
Carna,
Co Galway.