Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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397. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the progress of large scale off shore wind development close to the east coast; if in view of the period of time that has elapsed since then, that the granting of developments be reviewed to ascertain whether an acceptable alternative more aesthetically in design can be evaluated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17702/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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There are 2 consented offshore windfarm developments off the East Coast, both located off the coast of County Wicklow at the Arklow Bank and the Codling Bank, respectively.

The foreshore lease for the Arklow offshore windfarm was granted in 2002 for the development of a 520 MW windfarm. To date, only 7 turbines with a combined generating capacity totalling 25.2 MW have been installed.The foreshore lease for the Codling Bank offshore windfarm, known as the Codling I project, was granted in 2005 for the development of an 1100 MW windfarm. No construction works have commenced on the windfarm to date.

Both developments were consented to within the national regulatory and legislative framework that existed in 2002 and 2005, respectively. While the leases for both projects may have been granted some years ago, it is important to note that both proposals were subject to a comprehensive assessment by a range of technical experts who advised the then Minister. The visual aspect was dealt with in each project’s associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which covered issues such as landscape, seascape and visual effects supported through the use of photomontages.