‘Evidence-based’ compensation package in place for Wexford fisheries impacted by 306km wind farm

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The number of turbines expected to be constructed off the coast of south Wexford as part of a new wind farm has not been confirmed despite comments suggesting otherwise. At a presentation made during the January meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) a representative from EirGrid said the wind farm would be “321 square km in size,” and would consist of “approximately 45 turbines or one every 5-6 km.”

However, a spokesperson for EirGrid has moved to clarify those comments, saying that it is too early to predict how many turbines will be included in the project.

“The number of turbines for the site has not yet been confirmed and will be dependent on the size of turbines available on the market at time of construction (early 2030s),” they said. “Options for the number of turbines will be consulted on with stakeholders in advance of planning submission. And the site is actually 306 square km in size.”

The wind farm, which is entitled Powering Up Offshore - South Coast, will supply approximately 900 MW, enough to power almost one million homes with clean energy. It will see two offshore substations constructed off Ireland’s south coast, one of which will be situated in an area known as Tonn Nua 12km from the coastlines of Co Wexford and Waterford.

During the NRMD meeting it was also stated that there would a 500m exclusion zone for fisheries around each turbine once the works were complete. However, the EirGrid spokesperson said this was not accurate and applies to the offshore substation not the turbines.

“The intention is for no fishery exclusion zones on EirGrid’s submarine cable from the offshore substation to landfall of cable,” they said. “A 500m exclusion zone is indented to be around the substation locations. While there will be some restrictions permitted around turbines during construction periods, these will be for safety purposes and will be temporary. Stakeholders will be consulted with and advised of restrictions closer to the time of construction.”

EirGrid also wished to address comments made regarding compensation packages for fishermen impacted by the development.

“Fisheries engagements have been thorough on the south coast for this project,” they said. “Where fishermen are affected, a fisheries liaison officer is in place for the project to answer any concerns they might have with regards to disturbance during these works. EirGrid has an evidence-based compensation package in place for those affected.”

The project will see EirGrid deliver the infrastructure that will connect the power from these wind farms off the south coast to the onshore grid at landfall locations and onshore substations. The windfarm however, will be developed by private developers. In December 2025, a joint venture partnership between ESB and Denmark-based renewable energy developer Ørsted, was selected as the offshore windfarm developer for Powering Up Offshore - South Coast.

With regards to any potential impact on the ecology of the seas off the coast of Co Wexford, the EirGrid spokesperson said the company had commenced marine and coastal surveys in July of last year.

"These surveys are key for assessing seabed conditions, soil properties, and environmental impacts across the landfall, intertidal, nearshore, and offshore zones related to cable corridors for the project,” they said. “The insights gained as a result of this work will play a key role in informing plans for the installation of the transmission infrastructure for offshore wind energy and will guide how EirGrid progress the project in a way that is best for our marine ecosystem and local communities.

“Some of the landfall surveys are on private lands, however surveys were also scheduled on public beaches at potential landfall locations. The beaches where non-intrusive surveys will take place are Ballycroneen and Ballycrenane in County Cork and Carnivan, Long Gap and Blackhall Beach in County Wexford.

“EirGrid engaged extensively with councils, local communities, and landowners in relation to these works.”