Floating Cork Offshore Wind Farm
projectsSource Galileo is currently investigating the feasibility of developing the Floating Cork Offshore Wind Farm. The proposed project area is located 22km off the southwest coast of county Cork between the towns of Clonakilty and Skibbereen. The area has been selected far offshore in order to reduce potential visual and environmental impacts whilst enabling stronger wind resources to be harnessed.
As the project is aligned with national renewable energy and climate mitigation policies, it has the potential to help Ireland meet national, European and international commitments whilst also
supporting local supply chain, employment opportunities and community benefits.
Bird and marine mammal surveys commenced in September 2021 and Source Galileo are planning further site investigations in order to better understand the environmental and physical characteristics of the 286sqkm offshore area.
The outputs from these studies will inform the design of the wind farm which has a potential capacity of up to 1,000 MW (1 GW) of renewable energy, enough to power up to 1 million homes while also helping to address the climate and energy security crisis.
The process of proactive public consultation, engagement and communication with the local community, statutory consultees and interested parties will underpin and inform Source Galileo’s approach to developing the Floating Cork Offshore Wind Farm.
Floating Cork – Indicative Project Timeline
From this early stage through to a prospective operations phase and production of renewable energy, the proposed project is expected to follow the indicative timeline below.
Appoint Fishery Liaison Officer and commence environmental surveys
Stakeholder engagement and ongoing environmental surveys
Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application, public consultation and engagement
Grant of Maritime Area Consent (MAC), public consultation and engagement
Pre-application consultation ahead of submission of planning application to An Bord Pleanála
Planning application to An Bord Pleanála, public consultation and engagement
Planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála
Commence construction, public consultation and engagement
Offtake connection
First energy generated, continued public consultation and engagement
Note: timelines may change due to external factors outside the control of Source Galileo.