CO CLARE is on the backfoot for development of offshore wind energy projects, elected representatives have claimed.
Developers in the renewable energy sector with an interest in future offshore energy projects in Wst Clare are to be contacted by Clare County Council to try determine the infrastructural developments required in the area.
It follows a proposal by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) before the West Clare Municipal District who wanted developers to outline “anticipated infrastructural requirements” in the locality with a specific focus on harbour developments to maximise the potential of projects.
Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Lynch referenced a front page story from the Galway City Tribune in May which detailed that businesses in Galway City could receive a benefit of up to €2m over the summer months from passengers aboard cruise ships due to anchor off the bay. A total of 22 cruise ships will arrive in Galway between May and the end of September. It is estimated that cruise passengers spend, on average, €100 per person in the city alone which is worth almost €2 million for the local retail trade.
“At the rate we’re going, we will be putting people on the ferry to get them to do offshore energy there,” a frustrated Lynch remarked. Input from the public on improvements to the harbours can set the foundations for success, he maintained. “There is currently huge work ongoing on Scattery Island but there is a difficulty getting onto crafts to get out there. An extension to Cappa and Carrigaholt could make the piers very successful, we’ll miss an opportunity to start moving quick if we don’t prepare for it and aren’t ready for it”.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) believed, “we’re on the backfoot already”. He added, “We need to be looking at how we can make Carrigaholt suitable for the type of vessels, it is not just about it is yachts or small fishing vessels, it is about saying these are the types of boats coming to do these businesses, if we don’t Fenit will be the place they go because it is sitting there. It is an hour’s journey between Carrigaholt and Cappa each way, we need to position ourselves so the industry is saying this is the place”. He estimated works to Carrigaholt would cost €250,000.
Acting senior executive officer in the West Clare MD, John O’Malley agreed that the community “has to be part of the whole picture”. He explained, “Industry requirements are critical to whatever is practical from the port or pier we are using and the most practical way to do it”. Feasibility of each location must be examined, he said while suggesting a discussion be held with the Council’s Economic Directorate
Cllr Lynch concluded, “Some of these ships won’t go into Carrigaholt or Cappa, there is a huge variant. It will take an effort to make sure it is co-ordinated correctly, if we sit back we will lose straight away”.
