Ireland

Mainstream’s team, as part of its Airtricity heritage, developed Ireland’s first and only operational offshore wind farm at the Arklow Bank, Co. Wicklow. The Arklow Bank wind farm became operational in 2004 and was the world’s first erection of wind turbines rated over 3 MW.

Presently, Mainstream are progressing stakeholder engagement and Foreshore Investigative Licence Applications for marine site surveys within three search areas off the East, South East and West of Ireland currently under investigation by the offshore team for offshore wind farm development (sites and cable routes). A Stage 1: Screening for Appropriate Assessment Report and Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment (NIS) have been submitted in support of the Foreshore Investigative Licence Applications for all three sites. Mainstream commenced the application process for its three Foreshore Investigative Licences in October 2020.

A pre-application meeting as part of the Foreshore Department’s application process was held in November 2021 and currently the Mainstream team are preparing for public consultations on the Applications. The Foreshore Department has published the Application Form and Foreshore Licence Map on its website, accessible here:

• Southeast 
• Northeast 
• Southwest 

Historically, Mainstream delivered three onshore wind plant into commercial operation in Ireland.  The Carrickenny wind plant in north-west Ireland, County Leitrim, was sold to the furniture giant, IKEA when it reached commercial operation.