SSE Renewables has shared the findings of a report which reveals that Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 could boost the Irish economy by €800 million and support 2,300 jobs.

An independent report commissioned by SSE Renewables and compiled by BiGGAR Economics contains the preliminary data and is due to be published in the new year.

The publication of the report will coincide with SSE Renewables' planning application submission to An Bord Pleanála for the proposed 800MW offshore wind project off the coast of South Wicklow.

The research has found that approximately 2,300 direct and induced jobs would be created throughout the project’s lifetime, from development and construction through to operations and decommissioning.

Before beginning commercial operations, Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 would create around 130 jobs, direct and induced, over its expected 35-year operational lifetime. Additionally, the wind farm would generate an economic contribution to the Irish economy of up to €19m annually, up to €13m of which would benefit the Wicklow and Wexford economies.

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It is estimated the wind park could generate a total lifetime spend across national and international markets in excess of €4.8 billion, from early-stage development and construction through to 35 years of expected operations, and eventual decommissioning.

Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Project Director James O’Hara said: "I am delighted to share the key findings of this new socio-economic impact report today. The benefits that large scale offshore wind projects can bring to local and regional economies are well documented, but it is invaluable to have current data on the potential economic value of Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 project to the regional economy.

"The renewables industry already plays an important role in supporting rural and regional economies around the country, but as we look towards the development of the offshore wind industry in Ireland, the possible economic benefits could be transformative. The data we’re publishing today on the Arklow project demonstrates that offshore wind infrastructure can play an important role in supporting job creation and delivering more balanced regional development. The data is particularly heartening, especially in light of global macro-economic challenges for the industry.

"This report will form part of our upcoming offshore infrastructure planning application to An Bord Pleanála and details the potential benefits to the regional and national economy in terms of job creation and GVA, as well as to the supply chain."