The Kish Project

The Kish and Bray Banks could supply the electricity needs of 200,000 people, and for this reason, in 1998 Saorgus Energy Ltd applied to the Department of Marine and Natural Resources for a Foreshore Licence to construct a large offshore wind farm on the Kish Bank, offshore of Dublin and Wicklow. In June 1999 anemometry equipment was installed on the Kish Lighthouse (see picture) in agreement with the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Photo courtesy Irish Rope Access and Safety Consultants Ltd.

This information was integrated with the results of wind tunnel tests which were carried out on scale models of the Kish Lighthouse. This study is now complete and has confirmed initial assessment that the Bank possesses a very large untapped wind energy resource.

In August 2000 the Department of Marine and Natural Resources awarded foreshore licenses to the Kish Consortium to allow detailed studies to be carried out on the Kish and Bray Banks. The Kish Bank is a seasonal feeding area for the Roseate Tern and the Project is in close liason with Birdwatch Ireland and other bodies to ensure that necessary studies into the potential effects on the terns (if any) are identified prior to construction. During 2002, a comprehensive survey of birds that use the Kish and Bray Banks was carried out.

An application for a foreshore lease has been made and is being considered by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.