Yes. Offshore wind developments currently proposed in Ireland consist on average of around 50 turbines per development. With turbines of approximately 300 meters tall, located 10-15 km from shore these proposed developments would dominate the coastal landscape/seascape. International research suggests that, before they become visually insignificant, wind turbines of this magnitude would need to be located approximately 45 km from shore. In Ireland it is currently being proposed that such enormous turbines could be sited 5-6 km from shore.

The Irish coastline, which is so much part of our collective heritage and identity, remains relatively unspoilt and is of enormous value to the Irish people and visitors to the island. Ireland has an opportunity to adopt a measured, sustainable, innovative and environmentally sensitive approach to offshore renewable energy development, learning from those countries which have already adopted a variety of approaches, policies and technologies. We must argue robustly to protect Ireland’s marine environment, magnificent coastal landscapes and those whose welfare and economic prosperity depends on preserving the ecological and visual integrity and unique quality of this environment.