As Ireland moves towards reducing CO2 emissions by 51% by 2030 and Net-Zero emissions by 2050, fishermen are finding themselves under increasing pressure from offshore wind developments. Open, honest and early discussions are crucial to learning how both industries can work together in the same space.
DP Energy is a Cork based offshore wind developer with a global and Irish reputation spanning over 30 years. The company develops, constructs, and operates renewable energy assets worldwide. Headquartered in Buttevant, DP Energy is led by co-founders Maureen and Simon De Pietro – a mother and son partnership.
DP Energy recently partnered with Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest renewable energy producers, to develop its Irish Offshore Wind portfolio. Iberdrola has substantial experience in working with fishermen in a range of countries as offshore wind farms have been planned and developed.
We are at the very early stages of our development plans and are currently seeking permission from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for permission to carry out initial investigative surveys. The three areas of interest are:
- Inis Ealga, off the coast of Cork and Waterford (floating)
- Clarus, off the coast of Clare and Kerry (floating)
- Shelmalere, off the coast of Wicklow and Wexford (fixed)
- Latitude 52 is an alternative site off the east coast for which DP Energy have submitted a Foreshore Licence Application
When it comes to the marine space, fishermen are one of DP Energy’s key stakeholders. We understand that a proposal to develop off-shore wind farms can raise many questions for fishermen throughout the country. The DP Energy team – including founder Simon de Pietro – has been travelling to the ports to meet the fishermen that the projects may affect. Working closely with our Fishery Liaison Officers John Power, Meadhbh Quinn and John Herrington, we are endeavouring to visit all relevant ports and harbours to meet you and discuss your input to our survey designs.
We have already met with many inshore and offshore fishermen and are currently calling on all west coast and south coast offshore fishermen to come to speak with us on Wednesday 8th of September in Castletownbere in the headquarters of the IS&WFPO. We will be there between 9am and 6pm. If you can’t make it on the day, just get in touch and we will come to you wherever you are.
In the meantime, if you would like to talk about any of our projects at any stage, please don’t hesitate to call DP Energy’s Community and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Yvonne Cronin on 087 102 8227 or email her on Yvonne.cronin@dpenergy.com
You will also find more information on the following websites:
www.inisealgamarineenergypark.com
www.clarusoffshorewindfarm.com
www.shelmalereoffshorewindfarm.com
www.dpenergy.com
Recent Comments