The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue yesterday launched a report which recognises the suitability of Ros an Mhíl in the Galway Gaeltacht as a prime location for the development of a strategic hub to support the floating offshore wind sector and with the potential of creating up to 900 jobs in the industry.
The report, commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta, was carried out by Dublin Offshore Consultants and identifies a major opportunity for the Galway Gaeltacht and the wider economy that could revitalise the West Coast of Ireland from Loop Head to Béal an Mhuirthead.
The main findings of the report outline four possible scenarios and indicates that
- Ros an Mhíl has the potential to be a strategic hub with an important role to play in supporting the significant pipeline of Floating Offshore Wind on the West Coast of Ireland.
- The proximity of Ros an Mhíl Harbour to offshore project locations and its potential deep berth provide the opportunity for the cost effective and timely entry into the offshore energy market.
- Based on servicing 3GW of projects, which is less than half of the Low FOW deployment scenario, this has the potential to result in up to 900 direct and indirect jobs for the region.
- The urgent development of Ros an Mhíl as a support port for the floating offshore wind sector would represent a major opportunity for the Galway Gaeltacht and the wider economy.
- Ros an Mhíl benefits from a significant land bank adjacent to the proposed 12m deep-water berth, under ownership of both Údarás na Gaeltachta and DAFM.
- Early signs of market intent for offshore wind in the region have been demonstrated by Green Investment Group’s recent acquisition of the 400MW Sceirde Rocks offshore wind farm.
A key component of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025 is the Green Gaeltacht. The organisation is committed to playing its part in reducing its own carbon footprint and those of clients and the wider Gaeltacht community.
The development of Ros an Mhíl as a strategic support hub for the offshore wind industry will go a long way in supporting this initiative and has been long identified by Údarás na Gaeltachta as a strategic resource, where there are feasible opportunities for the harbour to be a strategic national centre with regards to marine renewable energy.
Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta stated: “We welcome the findings of this study regarding the development of a strategic hub to develop and support the offshore wind industry on the West Coast of Ireland.”
“This is a strategic sector for Údarás na Gaeltachta. If we are to address climate change, we must avail of all opportunities there are to generate clean energy. A strategic development hub like this could create significant investment in the area, enhance life in the community, create employment and reduce the impact of climate change.”
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