Learn more about the evolution of NISA’s design and development.
Current layout to include a maximum of 49 turbines
Produce renewable energy for Ireland's electricity grid
Will displace approximately half a million tonnes of CO2 per annum
Off the coast of Dublin, Meath and Louth
Capacity to power approx. 500,000 homes
Community Benefit Fund of approximately €4 million per annum
Potential to create high-quality jobs
Planned connection point: Belcamp Station
The area being considered is located off the coast of Dublin, Meath and Louth. The closest potential turbine location would be approximately 13km from shore.
When determining the location of the project, a major consideration is the balance between maximising the distance from the coast but ensuring the seabed is suitable for fixed-base wind turbines. Fixed-base turbines can be constructed in waters up to a depth of 50 to 60 metres.
The offshore infrastructure is located within the proposed development boundary and will comprise the following: Array area – where the following infrastructure will be located:
Offshore Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) – The planning application allows flexibility for NISA by presenting two layout options. One with 35 WTGs with a maximum tip height of 316m and one with 49 WTGs with a maximum tip height of 290m. This will ensure the project can avail of the most suitable technology at the time of construction.
Inter-array cables
Offshore Substation Platform (OSP) – inter-array cables will connect to an offshore substation platform in the middle of the array
Seabed foundations
Offshore Export Cable Corridor – where the offshore electrical infrastructure (subsea export cable(s)) will be routed from the OSP to landfall.
Considerations of cable routing offshore include:
Following a review of the coastline from Rush to Bettystown, an area north of Balbriggan has emerged as the most feasible area to bring the cables on shore.
Many factors were considered such as local appropriateness and the need to avoid disturbance to the foreshore or coastline. A decision has been taken that there will be no grid facility between the road and the coast as it would not have been visually appropriate.
Cables will come onshore under the coastline to the north of Balbriggan. While the cables will land here, their presence will be concealed due to the availability of HDD (see below for HDD technology) which removes the need to disturb the coastline.
Factors considered in this decision included available lands, fisheries, road network, existing services and geology.
Both open cut and trenchless drilling were considered in this project. Trenchless is the most appropriate option as feedback from our engagement process was that people would rather not see the coastline disturbed. We are confident that this methodology can be applied.
A grid facility will be required in the area as part of the infrastructure needed as part of this project. A decision has been taken to not have any infrastructure between the road and the coast. Therefore, this facility will be located to the west of the road R132. This is required not only to facilitate the transmission of the electricity from the wind farm to the connection point, but it will also strengthen the electricity grid in this area.
The proposed cable route will go around the north of Balbriggan, follow local roads wide enough to minimise the need for closures, cross under the M1 and arrive at the grid connection point at Belcamp.
Connection at Belcamp Substation
EirGrid has specified that NISA’s grid connection point is at Belcamp Substation. Belcamp is a facility on the national grid with great connectivity and capacity.
EirGrid Functional Specifications
NISA must also be cognisant of the relevant EirGrid Specification which outlines the basis for the design of the cable route and specifies that “Underground cables shall, as a standard, be routed within the reserve of public roads.”
In addition to these points, our assessments to date have taken account of several different factors including:
We invite you to see what NISA would look like from different twelve different viewpoints along the coastline on our Photomontage Viewer.
Both the 35 and 49 turbine array options are available to view from each of the vantage points.
The NISA project seeks to strengthen Ireland’s energy security and climate goals while ensuring it integrates harmoniously with local communities, biodiversity, and the landscape. Extensive onshore and offshore studies, alongside feedback from nearby residents, have shaped the project’s layout and visual design. Seabed surveys and stakeholder consultations have informed potential impacts on people, biodiversity, and the environment, with findings incorporated into the design process.
Offshore surveys were carried out in the proposed area 2022 and 2023. These surveys gathered information on the underlying geological and seabed conditions in a variety of ways such as geophysical surveys, benthic surveys and geotechnical site investigations including cone penetration tests (CPTs) and boreholes.
The results of these surveys indicated that the conditions inside the site boundaries vary significantly. Earlier design layouts being considered for NISA had assumed a high degree of uniformity across the area; however, results from our surveys have provided greater information on the conditions. Securing this information has been critical to allow the design team to work towards establishing the most appropriate design and construction methods for the proposal.
The NISA project has undertaken extensive site survey efforts both onshore and offshore to provide vital information regarding the environmental and technical characterisation of the project area. Onshore, NISA have undertaken ecological, archaeological, noise, traffic, and watercourse surveys to survey efforts to inform the landfall location, onshore cable routing and proposed construction methodologies.
The results of these surveys were incorporated into the design review and have informed the final design and layout of the NISA project.
Surveys:
At an early stage in the development process, all Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), National Heritage Areas (NHA), Refuges for Fauna and Statutory Nature Reserves in the locality of the proposed site – offshore, along the coastline and onshore were identified.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) conducted by the project team considered the potential impacts of the construction, operational and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the proposed development, both on onshore and offshore.
In this proposed project, as with all our sites, we will be working hard to minimise any negative impacts on surrounding areas and seeking to identify opportunities that the project may have to enhance the local environment and biodiversity.
As our understanding of the local area grows, there is always the potential for environmental considerations to alter. An example of this is the proposed designation of the Northwest Irish Sea cSPA. This cSPA is proposed for specific bird species which are an integral part of our environment assessment process. Constraints identified are incorporated into the design process as it evolves. This is an ongoing process.
Offshore, the NISA survey efforts began in 2019 with ornithology (bird) surveys. Seabirds, migratory birds and intertidal bird species within the project area were identified and counted over a three-year survey period.
Identified species included the Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater, Razorbill, Gannet, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Roseate and Common Tern.
Protecting bird and mammalian habitats is of the utmost importance. The species found in the proposed NISA project area are being carefully assessed to ensure their protection. We will endeavour to ensure that NISA minimises negative impact on the local biodiversity – either onshore or offshore.
Throughout the design process, sustainability has been a key consideration when it comes to every species found within the project area. The marine mammals identified in the proposed area of NISA include whales, seals, dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Other important species surveyed include offshore bats.
Not only are these species considered as part of the NISA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process; the presence of these mammals will inform our planned Sustainability Strategy to deliver biodiversity enhancements for the local area over the lifetime of the NISA project.
We want to hear how people truly feel about NISA. Since 2021, our Community Liaison Officer, Jim O’Reilly, has been engaging with local communities to gather feedback from those living and working in the area. Public input has been – and remains – crucial to delivering the project appropriately. Our engagement has shown strong awareness of the need for renewable energy. Through our project website, in-person and virtual consultations, and ongoing meetings with groups and individuals, we’ve received valuable insights. Here’s some of the feedback we’ve gathered so far:
Energy Security
NISA has the capacity to secure our own energy future and reduce Ireland’s dependence on costly and polluting imported fossil fuels.
Climate Action
The project will displace around half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Electricity Prices
Having our own secure energy supply will shield us from global market energy price increases and continue to help protect families and businesses from the worst effects of a crisis caused by our over-reliance on fossil fuels. We can tap into our own natural resources and roll out clean, affordable energy that will not break the bank.
Sustainability
It is very important to the NISA team that the project is developed and operates in a sustainable way. NISA will deliver a vast amount of renewable energy on to our electricity grid, providing a sustainable energy future. However, the team is also investigating the proposed project’s capability to deliver broader sustainability objectives through biodiversity, circular economy, and energy initiatives.
Community Benefit Funds
For NISA, the Community Benefit Fund is expected to amount to more than €4 million per year over the lifetime of the scheme – supporting environmental initiatives, energy efficiency schemes, community projects and the fishing industry.
Jobs
Offshore wind creates employment opportunities in areas such as manufacturing, construction, scientific research, and electricity generation, with developers providing training to create the high-skilled workforce needed for these projects. Furthermore, the NISA project team is committed to delivering the maximum benefit possible to the local areas from the development and operation of this project. A Business Support Scheme will be developed as part of this project, encouraging local businesses to offer services such as engineering services, hospitality, fuel supply or office space.
Construction phase – onshore
Feedback was received on the temporary social impacts on communities and public roads in the form of traffic restrictions and disturbance to residents and road users. We are keenly aware of and wish to minimise any impacts on local communities in the development of this critical infrastructure. Mitigating against impact to communities during the construction phase is a priority for NISA and measures to manage this are detailed in the EIAR. The team continues to engage with local communities to gather feedback to ensure it can be delivered in the most appropriate manner.
Distance of turbines to shore
Throughout the consultation phase with the community, there were questions as to why the turbines could not be positioned further from the shore. The project team and the community liaison team detailed the survey works that led to the final proposed development layout as well as the technology that was available that would facilitate a fixed bottom foundation suitable for the seabed depth and ground conditions. In order to viably construct an offshore wind farm that has its foundations fixed into the seabed the maximum water depth considered to be feasible is recognised to be approximately 60m. Fixed bottom foundations cannot be located further from the shore, as Ireland’s seabed depth increases very quickly as you move from the shore.
Changes to the design and total number of WTGs
The most appropriate layouts being presented are based on a number of influences including the ground conditions, site output and the marine environment. Survey works continued since our last consultation event giving us more information on those topics and influenced a further tweak to the layout. Technology in offshore wind is developing faster than it has before. The planning application allows for flexibility for NISA by presenting two layout options. One with 35 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a maximum tip height of 316m and one with 49 WTGs with a maximum tip height of 290m. This will ensure the project can avail of the most suitable technology at the time of construction.
Onshore infrastructure
There were also concerns raised about the grid facility which would be located north of Balbriggan, west of the R132. We recognised that this is a new type of infrastructure for the area so measures to screen the infrastructure to minimise any visual impact were displayed as part of the public consultation and on the website.
No impact or damage to beaches or coastline
Several people expressed concern about the potential impact to the area of coastline in which cables would come onshore. For this project, both open-cut and trenchless drilling methods were considered. Trenchless has been deemed the most appropriate option as feedback from our engagement process was that people would rather not see the coastline disturbed. We are confident that this methodology can be applied.
Visuals
The visual aspect of NISA has always been a very important consideration. As part of the design process, visual impact assessments were carried out and photomontages of how the proposal will look were prepared.
The process for preparing the photomontages is rigorous, scientifically accurate and involves the use of sophisticated software. The turbines are modelled in 3D to their correct dimensions and placed into a digital terrain model of the whole 60km radius study area in their exact positions. The 3D terrain model with the proposed turbines in it are then matched to the baseline photography at each of the viewpoints in a precise 360-degree overlay. They are extremely accurate in terms of location and size and the process does not require any mathematic calculations that could incur errors. It is an industry standard process governed by strict guidelines.
Environment
Feedback was received regarding potential impacts the project could have on marine life, sea birds and mammals as well as the local environment. The afore-mentioned Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) considers the potential impacts of the construction, operational and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the proposed development, both on and offshore. In NISA, as with all our projects, we will be doing our utmost to avoid any negative impacts on the surrounding areas while seeking opportunities to enhance biodiversity and the local environment. The project team is considering the sustainability of this project through the various stages of construction and operation with the view to ensuring that the project is delivered in the most environmentally appropriate manner.
Community Benefit Fund
In the case of the proposed development a Community Benefit Fund could reach approximately €4million each year or €80 million over the lifetime of the project –giving residents the opportunity to bring about transformative and positive change to their local community. The community had questions on the administration and distribution of this fund. In time, an independent Fund Administrator will be appointed to facilitate and support the local community to maximise the opportunities of the Community Benefit Fund. Since 2019, the project team has been engaging with local community groups on the process with a view to aggregating information, feedback and submissions which could guide the direction of the Community Benefit Fund.
Since 2019, the NISA team has engaged extensively with the local fishing community, building a strong understanding of the inshore and offshore fishing activities in the area. We are committed to minimising and mitigating any potential impacts of sharing this marine space while exploring ways to collaborate for mutual and broader benefits. This could include synergies between renewable energy generation and sustainable food production, alongside marine biodiversity, climate, and circularity gains. Ongoing, constructive engagement with the fishing community is vital, and feedback from fishers remains central to achieving the best outcomes.
Meaningful Engagement
One of the first concerns raised at the outset of our engagement with the fishing industry was that engagement would lack meaning. Over the years the project has had the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to real and meaningful engagement including incorporating feedback from the fishing industry into the design process (ultimately having an influence the proposed wind farm layout), engagement pre, during and post survey campaigns and the proposal of draft initiatives which could deliver benefit to the local fishing community to mention but a few examples. It is the intention to build on this strong engagement foundation as the project progresses.
Exclusion Zones
In order to address these concerns, NISA is being designed to eliminate any project need for exclusion zones during the operational lifetime of the wind farm. Feedback from the fisheries has been incorporated into the design process and this has influenced the proposed layouts. Feedback sought from governing bodies and organisations has indicated that it is not envisaged that that there will be a regulatory requirement for exclusion zones.
Navigability
To ensure safe and efficient navigation within and around the NISA wind farm, the project team made several changes to the initial design and layout. The proposed layout provides for c.1km corridors through the wind farm. This will provide better permeability. There remains a concern among some that the location of wind farm will form a barrier preventing the area being fished in the traditional way. The project will continue to engage with fishers around this topic to explore alternative means and methods of fishing the area should this be required.
Trawl Direction
To ensure that trawling can continue within the proposed wind farm, turbines have been oriented to provide navigable corridors to allow for continued trawling. These corridors have been aligned with the general direction of towing in a SSE -NNW orientation.
Impacts on Incomes
Not alone is NISA being developed with the fisheries to the forefront of consideration in terms of design, NISA is also seeking to identify areas where there may be impacts on fishing and to take action on these. Since 2019 the project Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) has worked to identify all vessels operating in the local area and to engage with those fishing in the local area. The project is endeavouring to bring forward a novel approach towards impact mitigation, focusing on continuing to build a positive relationship with the people whom we know have a tradition of fishing these waters.
The Community Benefit Fund puts decision-making in the hands of the local community, allowing residents to choose how the funding is spent. For NISA, the fund could deliver around €80 million over the project's lifetime—an unparalleled opportunity to drive transformative, positive change locally. This funding could support exciting new initiatives, enhance existing amenities and clubs, boost environmental and energy efficiency schemes, and provide backing for the fishing industry.
The Department of Environment, Climate Action and Communications published the Community Benefit Funds rulebook for offshore wind energy projects. This confirmed a requirement that generators pay €2 per MWh of electricity generated from offshore wind over the lifetime of the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) to a fund aimed at supporting the local areas. As high levels of offshore generation are expected, the amount of funding available for local amenities and clubs could be significant. For NISA, it is estimated that this would be in the region of €4 million per year or €80 million over the lifetime of the scheme.
We have already started to engage with local community groups on the process and we expect several applications to be submitted in the coming months.
Becoming part of a vibrant coastal community is of immense importance to the NISA team. We are proud to support RNLI lifeboat stations along the east coast in Skerries, Howth and Clogherhead.
The team has also supported transition-year students in local schools to participate in Rewrite – a blended learning programme that focuses on existing climate change solutions, future innovations, and opportunities for students interested in the area.
We began our ongoing consultation process approximately in 2021. Our CLO Jim O’Reilly has engaged with a wide range of individuals and groups, including residents, community organisations, sea users, local councillors, and national politicians in the area. The findings of this consultation work are fed back to our design team on an ongoing basis so that they can consider any concerns raised.
To date, our CLO has had over 1,000 engagements with local stakeholders. In addition, he has engaged with people on a personal level to give them the opportunity to properly consider and discuss the proposal. We hosted a series of public consultation events across six coastal communities in June 2023 where we visited Skerries, Balbriggan, Clogherhead, Bettystown, Malahide and Sutton. A Virtual Consultation Room (VCR) was first launched in November 2020 with a second VCR going live in July 2023 and our third VCR is currently live on this site . All of these events were developed and advertised to enable people to learn more about the project and give their feedback.
We hosted our third round of Public Consultation Events in April 2024. We will continue to be available for any enquiries that residents, businesses, and other stakeholders may have via the contact features on this site. Our aim is not just to engage with local stakeholders, but to become part of the fabric of these communities.
The project has the opportunity to displace half a million tonnes of CO2 annually supporting Ireland’s climate goals and our move to clean, renewable energy. It will help reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and give us security of our own, locally generated energy supply.
A Community Benefit Fund could provide up to €4 million annually, totalling €80 million over the project's lifetime—offering residents a chance to drive transformative local change. Potential projects include environmental initiatives, energy efficiency schemes, and social and economic developments. Since 2019, the team has engaged with local groups to gather feedback and submissions to help shape the fund’s direction.
Developing offshore wind energy also has the potential to support thousands of jobs in years to come all around the country through the maturing of supply chain, building out our nation’s ports and stimulating foreign investment thanks to a robust energy infrastructure.
Offshore wind creates employment opportunities in areas such as manufacturing, construction, scientific research and electricity generation. Over the duration of this project, it is estimated that over 1,100 jobs will be created though the construction and management periods.
With a development of this scale comes large indirect opportunities to support the growth of local communities and their own local economies. We hope to support businesses of all scale and size providing opportunities for Engineering Services, Hospitality, Fuel Supply or Office Space.