Wicklow Port has been confirmed as the preferred home for Codling Wind Park’s Operations and Maintenance base, the long-term facility from which the offshore wind farm will be operated and serviced.
The new base will provide offices, warehousing and vessel berthing facilities, as well as an operations control centre. This will enable the safe operation and maintenance of Codling Wind Park over its expected 30-year operational lifetime.
The location of these facilities in Wicklow Town represents a major economic boost for the area, with significant investment to be made in the development of the port facilities.
Economic Opportunities
- Codling Wind Park represents one of the largest energy infrastructure investments in Ireland this decade, delivering substantial benefits for the regional and national economy
- A total of 115 jobs are anticipated during the construction and operational phases of the new base combined, broken down as follows:
- 75 new, long-term, local jobs will be created in a variety of maintenance, technician, engineering, administration, and other roles.
- Construction of the new base, will see the creation of an additional 40 temporary jobs.
- Additional potential benefits include training, retraining and apprenticeship opportunities in the local area.
- There will also be opportunities for local businesses to support the planning, design, construction, and ongoing operation of the new base.
Big news for Irish offshore wind energy
Next steps
The next steps in the realisation of the Operations and Maintenance base will include site investigations and studies to assess the most suitable locations for the facilities, as well as engagement with local businesses, landowners, and other port users. A period of public consultation on the proposed plans, once they have been drafted, will take place prior to the submission of a planning application. Full details will be made available, when known.
You can read the full press release about the announcement here:
Codling Wind Park selects Wicklow Port as preferred location for new Operations and Maintenance Base
Up to 75 new jobs expected at long-term base for Ireland’s largest Phase One offshore wind farm
Significant investment to be made in development of port facilities
Project well advanced with potential to start construction by 2024/2025
Potential to produce enough electricity to power up to 1.2 million Irish homes