Clogherhead Offshore Wind Farm and the Local Community
Clogherhead Offshore Wind Farm recognise that achieving a transition to a low-carbon economy can only occur through responsible development which includes genuine community engagement. We want our wind farm investments to deliver long term social, economic, and environmental benefits for everyone.
Socio-Economic Assessment
Part of the environmental impact assessment for the project will study the potential for both positive and negative impacts on the local community. These studies include:
- Economic impact of the proposed project
- Impact of activities during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases
- Visual Impact of the project from the coast
- Employment opportunities for the local community
Community Consultation
As part of the development of the wind farm, we are hosting a number of community events. To ensure that local stakeholders remain informed we will also be providing information through newsletters, media updates and on our project website, www.clogherheadwind.ie.
Community Benefit
As part of our commitment to the communities which surround the Clogherhead wind farm we will establish a community benefit fund with the intention to encourage stronger engagement between the project and the local community. These funds will be available to the local community to help with the transition to a more sustainable community, through different initiatives and activities. The wind farm community benefit funds will be available to support projects that are aligned with local needs and community development opportunities such as the purchase of equipment, building or refurbishment work.
As part of the new plan led approach to offshore wind all designated projects will have a substantial community benefit fund, which will be distributed to groups in the region. We welcome community involvement in the design of the scheme.
We are not yet looking for projects to support, but we welcome your thoughts on how the fund could be structured and the kinds of projects we should focus on.
When we get to the stage of seeking projects to fund, we will advertise in local media, through the local authorities and inform those on our mailing list.