Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
262. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the role he envisions for the community of Arklow, County Wicklow in the development of the offshore renewable sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planned Arklow Bank Wind Park II offshore wind project is planned for a location off the coast of Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
SSE Renewables are delivering this project. However, I understand that SEE Renewables, the developer of the Arklow Bank Wind Park II project, has engaged extensively with local communities, including those in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, in the project’s development process. Prior to SSE lodging its planning application with An Coimisiún Pleanála, I am advised that a significant level of public consultation was undertaken by SSE with local communities in Wicklow and Wexford, with feedback received refining the planning application in June 2024.
Furthermore, I understand that the project has secured planning consent for the development of an operations and maintenance base at Arklow Harbour, out of which 80 full-time employees would be based. A further 2,300 direct and indirect jobs would be supported throughout the project’s delivery and operational lifetime. A Community Benefit Fund will be established by SSE for the benefit of local communities, and the project is expected to deliver an overall national economic benefit of €800 million, with around €400 million of that local to the Wicklow and Wexford region. The project will also support local companies in the supply chain, including in Arklow Harbour, during the construction and operation phases.
More widely, the Arklow area may also derive economic benefits from other offshore wind projects that may be proposed for the East coast region in the future.
