Phase 1:

Oriel have recently completed the first phase of its work programme which included the completion of An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the completion of preliminary engineering planning. The EIA was under taken by a Galway based company Aqua-fact International Services Ltd. An Environmental Impact Statement was prepared following completion of these studies.

The EIA was conducted in accordance with EU guidelines, and includes the following sections:

SECTION 1: Description of the proposed project

Describes the physical characteristics of the project including turbine design, foundation type, turbine layout and grid connection infrastructure. This section also contains information on the development, operation and decommissioning processes.

SECTION 2: Description of the existing environment

Studies were undertaken by Aqua-fact International Services to establish the current environmental conditions including detailed flora and fauna assessments to develop an overview of the current ecosystem. The bathymetric, geophysical and geological conditions in the area have been assessed by IMAR Survey Ltd. Further surveys were conducted in the area to verify the suitability of the site from an engineering point of view.

SECTION 3: The Potential Impacts of the Proposed Development

• The impact of the proposed development is described in the EIS.
• The Impacts were assessed using expert consultants, literature reviews, environmental surveys and experience from previous wind-farm EIA studies.
• A comprehensive list of local and national individuals and organisations were also consulted regarding this proposed wind farm.
• Geological & Oceanological conditions and landfall options were studied.
• Feasibility studies were also carried out to assess the suitability of ports in the area for servicing both the construction and the ongoing operation of the wind farm.

APPLICATION FOR LEASE UNDER THE FORESHORE ACTS

Oriel lodged an application to the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) on the 19th of February 2007 for a Lease to occupy an area of the foreshore at Dundalk Bay, Co Louth centred 8 km SE off Cooley Point and 12.5 km NE off Dunany Point, for the purpose of constructing an offshore wind park of up to 330MW potential consisting of 55 turbines with tower height of up to 100m and rotor diameter of up to 120m.

As part of this application Oriel were required by DCMNR to conduct a public consultation where details of the proposal including the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and photomontages of the proposed wind farm were put on display for review by the public.

The Environmental Impact Statement, together with a copy of all the relevant plans, drawings and photomontages were available for inspection from May 8th to June 29th 2007, at the following locations:

Oriel Windfarm Limited Portacabin, The Quays, Dundalk Port

Oriel Windfarm Limited Information Centre, Unit 22, DKIT Dundalk

Louth County Council, Millennium Centre, Dundalk (Enquire Planning Section)

County Library, Roden Place, Dundalk

County Library, Stockwell Street, Drogheda

Newry & Mourne District Council, Monaghan Row, Newry

Phase 2:

In the case that a Foreshore Lease is granted, the company envisages that turbine construction on the first phase would commence in 2009, the total cost of construction is estimated at €623m.

This map shows the proposed turbine locations, the circle shows the extended area where environmental studies are being undertaken.