RWE, in partnership with Saorgus Energy, has officially submitted a planning application for the Dublin Array offshore wind farm to An Bord Pleanála. The application was filed on 26 February by project developers Bray Offshore Wind Limited and Kish Offshore Wind Limited.

The proposed wind farm will be located 10 kilometres off the coast of Dublin and Wicklow, featuring between 39 and 50 turbines with a total capacity of up to 824 MW. Subject to planning approval and a financial investment decision, construction could begin as early as 2027, with operations starting in 2030.

The developers also plan to establish an operations and maintenance (O&M) base at St. Michael's Pier in Dún Laoghaire and have committed to a Community Benefit Fund of up to EUR 6.5 million per year to support local initiatives.

The project is expected to generate over 800 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during construction and provide long-term employment for around 240 people in operations and maintenance roles.

Dublin Array was granted Maritime Area Consent (MAC) in December 2022, a key requirement for submitting a planning application. The project was also selected in Ireland's first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1) auction in 2023 and has a confirmed grid connection offer from EirGrid.

Source: offshorewind.biz