Cork public urged to share their thoughts on offshore infrastructure project as deadline approaches  

EirGrid is encouraging people in Cork to submit their views on the delivery of offshore infrastructure for the south coast before the public consultation closes this month.

The operator of Ireland’s electricity grid commenced a 10-week public consultation in November to hear from people across the south coast regarding proposed on and offshore station locations, landfall locations, and grid connection points which will be required to deliver the project.

As part of Ireland’s ambition to achieve a climate target of producing 80% of electricity from clean, renewable sources as outlined in the Government’s Climate Action Plan, EirGrid has been tasked by Government to deliver a plan-led approach for connecting offshore wind to the electricity grid.

When delivered, the infrastructure will have the capacity to bring 900MW of clean, renewable electricity onto the national grid — enough to power nearly a million homes.

Submissions to the consultation can be made online or by post, and public information events have been held in-person and online in November and December to allow those interested to speak to EirGrid representatives and to learn more about the proposals.

EirGrid will be hosting another online information webinar, which will take place on Monday, January 13, from 7pm to 8pm.

“The submissions we receive from the public, communities, and businesses show us people want a say in how grid infrastructure is developed, and we are listening,” EirGrid chief infrastructure officer Michael Mahon said.

“We believe these offshore wind projects are a key opportunity for Ireland, both in meeting climate targets and creating lasting economic benefits for local communities.

“The electricity system is designed to meet the needs of communities and wider society and, as such, EirGrid seeks to place coastal and marine stakeholders at the heart of engagement for its offshore grid infrastructure,” Mr Mahon said.

The closing date for submissions from the public is set for Friday, January 24.

For more information about the Powering Up Offshore South Coast project, locals can visit: www.eirgrid.ie/offshore.