"Wind Energy Cannot Come At The Cost Of Biodiversity"

That’s according to South East Coastal Protection Alliance.

SECPA are responding to the increased emphasis on wind energy as a solution to the energy crisis.

In particular, the group are concerned about Phase 2 of Arklow Bank Wind Park project by SSE Renewables, which is planned for approximately 6 to 15 km from the shore. They say the wind turbines should be further out to sea and constructed on floating platforms, not on sand banks, which they say are an Annex 1 habitat - a conservation site. 

In response to questions sent by East Coast FM , SSE Renewables said: "As turbine technology is constantly evolving and progressing, turbines and associated parts becoming increasingly affordable. At present however, floating wind turbines cost significantly more to develop and install than fixed turbine technology. We hope to employ floating technology in Ireland post 2030 however this will need to be at a suitable site, for example, in much deeper waters off the west coast."

William Hourie, secretary of the group, says they are concerned no one is researching the impact of the existing turbines, off the coast of Brittas Bay:

"The main thing that we are concerned about is that the beaches will be washed away and it will end up like Kilcoole and Greystones. We are concerned that nobody has done any proper research on that."

It is unclear what research has been conducted on the existing turbines, however, in a statement sent to East Coast FM, SSE said: 

"In relation to Arklow Bank Wind Park Phase 2, SSE Renewables is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR). This process takes in excess of two years to complete and requires us to conduct extensive environmental surveys."