12 November 2019
Submission of Foreshore Licence application kicks off formal period of consultation
Public and other stakeholders can comment during the consultation
Key milestone for project, marking start of planning application process
A formal period of public consultation is commencing on 12 November 2019 following the submission of Greenlink Interconnector Limited’s Foreshore Licence application to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) Foreshore Unit. The licence application is for the marine component of the Greenlink interconnector project [1] in Ireland out to the 12 nautical mile limit. There will be a separate planning application submitted for the onshore components of the project, which include the development of a converter station near to the Great Island substation and an underground cable running from Baginbun Beach to the converter station.
Stakeholders can view the Foreshore Licence application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and associated documents via the DHPLG’s Foreshore Unit website [2]. Submissions and comments in relation to the proposal may be made in writing until 8 January 2020 [3].
Rónán ÓhÓgartaigh, development consultant for Greenlink in Ireland, commented;
“I am delighted to announce that consultation is commencing following the submission of our Foreshore Licence application.
This is a key milestone for the development of the project. It represents the culmination of a considerable amount of technical, environmental and commercial analysis to design a project of the highest quality and marks the launch of the project’s planning application process.
We have taken great care to incorporate feedback from stakeholders and the findings of environmental and technical surveys to ensure that the proposed development is of the highest standard.
We continue to encourage input from local residents, organisations and all stakeholders with an interest as we move the project forward and would encourage people to take part in the consultation being run by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.”
The Foreshore Licence application has been advertised in the local media this week and copies of all the planning documents are available to view on the Greenlink website: www.greenlink.ie/foreshorelicenceapplicationireland.
The proposed Greenlink interconnector (“Greenlink”) will connect the electricity grids of Great Britain and Ireland. It is one of Europe’s most important energy infrastructure projects and brings benefits on both sides of the Irish Sea for energy security, jobs and the cost-effective integration of low carbon energy.
Procurement for the major construction contracts for the Greenlink interconnector project is currently under way. The project is expected to have a three-year construction programme, offering local supply chain opportunities, before commissioning in 2023.
It should be noted that this Foreshore Licence Application covers consenting for the offshore marine aspect of the project in Ireland only. An application for the Marine Licence in Wales is being made concurrently, and planning applications for the onshore works in Ireland and Wales will be made separately in due course.
CONTACTS FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Anna Stanford, communications consultant:
M: +44 7961 234634 Anna.Stanford@greenlink.ie
Notes to Editors:
About Greenlink: Greenlink is a proposed interconnector linking the power markets in Ireland and Great Britain. The project comprises a subsea and underground cable and associated converter stations to connect EirGrid’s Great Island transmission substation in County Wexford (Ireland) and National Grid’s Pembroke transmission substation in Pembrokeshire (Wales). It has a nominal capacity of 500MW. In Ireland, the interconnector comprises a subsea cable intended to come ashore under the beach at Baginbun Beach in County Wexford and continuing underground to a converter station located near to the Great Island substation. The project is being developed by Greenlink Interconnector Limited and is expected to be fully operational in 2023. The project is considered of critical importance in Europe and has been awarded "Project of Common Interest (PCI)" status by the European Commission. More details at: www.greenlink.ie @Greenlink_IC
Submit comments to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government at Foreshore Unit, Department for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Newtown Road, Wexford, Co. Wexford or by e-mail to foreshore@housing.gov.ie quoting ref: FS007050, by 17.30 on 8 January 2020.