Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the current status of the foreshore lease granted in respect of the 220 turbine wind farm at Codling Bank off the coast of County Wicklow; when same was granted; the process undertaken when granting such a foreshore lease; if his Department expects construction works to begin in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32784/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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A foreshore lease for the development of a wind farm on the Codling Bank, off the Wicklow coast, was awarded by then the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on 15 November 2005. The lease application together with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was subjected to a comprehensive assessment by a range of technical experts who advised the Minister. This assessment took place following consultation with the public, relevant local authorities and State agencies.

The lease holder has recently applied to my Department for an extension to the construction timetable and this is under consideration. In addition, following a pre-application consultation with my Department, the company is preparing a foreshore licence application for certain site investigation works in and around the leasehold area.