Sir, – Regarding wind turbines, “offshore” is often a misnomer as many of the “offshore” wind farms under consideration can be more accurately described as “nearshore”.
Some are very nearshore, such as the proposed Sceirde Rocks offshore wind farm in Connemara. This project involves 30 turbines more than 300m tall, with the closest turbine 5km from the shore.
Visible intrusion is also a concern in this area renowned for its scenic beauty. What is not visible, however, is also concerning as it is difficult to monitor what environmental damage may be happening underwater.
Nearshore areas are often shallow waters where sunlight and nutrient mixing can support a huge level of biodiversity. These areas are a life force for the ocean where fish, seabirds and marine mammals feed, breed and forage. Nearshore areas can be irreplaceable marine habitats such as sandbanks, reefs, kelp and seagrass beds – essential for the health of marine species and carbon sequestration. Nearshore areas are also essential for the livelihoods of fishermen and women.
The proposed wind farm at Sceirde Rocks intends to use fixed gravity-based foundations up to 50m in diameter installed on a shallow area near the west Connemara shoreline. This proposed windfarm of 30 turbines is almost entirely within the Galway Bay and Islands Area of Interest for Marine Protected Area Designation identified by Fair Seas in 2022 and, in some places, is near or adjacent to protected Natura 2000 sites.
It is difficult to imagine how the levelling of seabed required to accommodate turbine and substation foundations, and the trenching required to lay cables would not risk potentially catastrophic damage to the affected seabed and any associated habitats, with potentially severe consequences to the species that rely on these.
This is a primary concern for myself, my family and many others who want Connemara’s pristine and sensitive coastal environment to be protected and preserved for generations to come. Offshore renewable energy developments must be located in truly offshore areas objectively designated by ecosystem based marine spatial planning. – Yours, etc,
HUGH RYAN,
Carna,
Co Galway.