Energy infrastructure

Two different reports on Sceirde Rocks, citing a combination of engineering and financial constraints. Is there a facility under ORESS1 for either Arklow Banks 2 or Oriel to reapply if an approved project withdraws?

Sunday Times

Renews:

The site investigations are understood to show that the project, which already features tough rocky seabed conditions, is also affected by severe wave and currents.

Sources pointed out to reNEWS that many of the challenges were known for what is considered the toughest of the Phase 1 schemes.

Corio had been exploring gravity base foundations, similar to the ones at the Fecamp project off France (pictured), to unlock the project. It also holds an ORESS 1 contract.

https://renews.biz/100032/corio-shelves-450mw-sceirde-rocks/

SBP report on potential changes to stage 2 process

https://puc.ie/papers361/

An update of sorts on planning for Oriel, NISA and Arklow Banks. Lots of 'Further Information' requests on potential enviromental impacts

They must address in more detail concerns raised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service about the potential impacts on birds such as the roseate tern, red-throated diver, guillemot, shag, gannet, kittiwake and sandpiper.

Particular concerns have been raised about the effect of Oriel on the annual brent geese migration.

A concern specific to the Arklow Bank is the potential impact of the existing small seven-turbine wind farm nearby – the country’s first and only offshore wind farm – in conjunction with the towering new installation.

SSE, developer of Arklow Bank, has been told to examine the collision risks posed by two clusters of turbines of differing heights.

Greater detail is also sought from all three projects on the likely impacts on seals and dolphins, fish and bats.

The planners want more clarity on how the companies plan to manage underwater and airborne noise.

[…]

Submissions from the Department of Transport raise concerns about ­access routes for the Irish Coast Guard’s search-and-rescue vehicles.

Dublin Airport and the Air Corps are also seeking assurances around interference with flight paths and radar from the giant cranes that will be used during construction, and from the turbines which will reach 300-metres high when in operation.

Meath and Wexford County Councils and Fáilte Ireland are worried about tourism, specifically the visual impact on Meath’s Brú na Bóinne world heritage site and Wexford’s renowned beaches. Wexford County Council has also raised “the potential impact on population mental health and well-being” from the “significant visual impact” on the landscape and seascape.

The planning authority also wants more detail on the impact of onshore construction works on coastal erosion.

Other issues include the effects on commercial fisheries, the Ireland-Scotland undersea gas interconnector and onshore traffic during construction. The companies must also address submissions from the Isle of Man, which has raised concerns about bird and fish life.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/offshore-wind-farm-rulings-on-hold-as-planners-request-further-information-on-impact/a1077117662.html

Apparently ABP say the Sceirde Rocks application hasn't yet been formally withdrawn.