Dear Reader, a proposal was submitted to An Bord Pleanála regarding the establishment of the Wicklow Codling Wind Farm, unveiled on 2nd September. The planned wind turbines would stand towering off Wicklow’s coast, with each roughly 300 metres tall – a staggering 50% higher than Poolbeg’s chimneys. The plan mentions construction of over 70 such turbines.
The visual impact of offshore wind farms has sparked international debate and serious contemplations, as demonstrated in a 2019 study commissioned by Natural Resources Wales. The researchers found that 300-metre tall wind turbines, if erected at least 44km from the coastline, would impose a minimal visual impact. Nonetheless, the impact becomes significantly intrusive when the turbines are about 32km away.
The proposed Wicklow Codling Wind Farm is intended to be just 13km to 22km off the shore, presenting a potential issue unless planning permission is denied.
Our closest neighbour, having extensive experience with offshore wind projects unlike us, is currently working on the Dogger Bank wind farm. Situated 130 kilometres away from the Yorkshire coast, the farm will become the largest in the world when fully operational. Such projects are undoubtedly apt for these colossal turbines.
The proposal to erect such immense turbines in close proximity to Wicklow’s coast could be equated to environmental recklessness.
Yours sincerely,
Eugene Horgan,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.