THE Shannon Estuary puts Limerick and the Mid West region in prime position to be at the forefront of the next industrial revolution.
That was the message this week at County Hall during a presentation from Simply Blue Group on renewable energy.
Floating wind farms, councillors were told, are a game changer to harness the tremendous wind potential of the Atlantic Ocean to help create a clean, sustainable future.
Simply Blue Group’s Western Star project, which it is developing off the west coast of Clare, will consist of a floating wind-farm situated at least 35km offshore.
The project will utilise cutting-edge technologies to incorporate floating offshore wind arrays to produce zero-carbon electricity. The development aims to help Ireland progress towards a green energy future with domestically sourced sustainable electricity delivering both environmental and economic benefits to the entire country and potentially beyond.
Councillors were told that, as a water body, the Shannon Estuary is one of the most suitable for this kind of wind energy production.
Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary wanted to know if the Government realise the importance of what Simply Blue Group are doing.
“This is key to environmental change. Once your systems are up and running, it will be extremely environmentally friendly,” he said.
Councillors were also informed at Monday’s meeting that the development of this new industry could mean huge opportunity for the Mid West in the next 20 to 30 years.
“It is unprecedented in the history of the State the huge opportunities this industry will bring. This is the start of a new industrial revolution for us,” Marie Gleeson of Simply Blue Group declared.
Ireland, she added, has one of the best offshore wind resources in the world, which will be key to decarbonising our society.
“The Shannon Estuary is the gateway to capturing the greatest renewable energy resource in Europe.”
