SSE Renewables, operating through its wholly owned subsidiary Sure Partners Limited, has submitted substantial additional information to An Coimisiún Pleanála regarding the offshore planning consent application for the flagship Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 project.

The proposed 800MW offshore wind development is situated in the Irish Sea off the coasts of County Wicklow and North County Wexford. The original planning application for the offshore infrastructure was lodged in June 2024. In April 2025, the planning authority issued a Request for Further Information (RFI) to address stakeholder feedback and observations.

In its formal response to the RFI, SSE has introduced specific design and engineering modifications. Most notably, the revised design features a reduction in the total number of offshore wind turbines from 56 down to 53, alongside localized infrastructure layout refinements.

The submission includes an updated Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and an updated Natura Impact Statement (NIS). These documents integrate new site-specific engineering data and peer-reviewed environmental research compiled from comprehensive aerial, marine, and geotechnical surveys. The technical modeling and evidence-based assessments demonstrate that the impact of the modified offshore development on coastal erosion and regional seabird populations is not significant within EIAR parameters.

The Maritime Area Planning Application represents the third and final planning consent required for the Arklow Bank 2 project. Planning permission has already been obtained for an operations and maintenance base at Arklow Harbour's South Dock, which will accommodate approximately 80 full-time staff. Separate consent is also in place for the onshore cabling and substation infrastructure required to connect the facility to the national electricity grid.

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Subject to securing the final offshore consent, establishing a commercial route to market, and reaching a positive final investment decision by SSE, main construction could commence toward the end of the decade, with energy exportation beginning by the early 2030s. The project is projected to deliver a national economic benefit of up to €800m, with approximately €400m localized to the Wicklow and Wexford region, while supporting an estimated 2,300 direct and indirect jobs over its operational lifespan.

The complete documentation, including the updated EIAR and NIS, is available to view and download digitally at www.arklowbank2offshoreplanning.ie.

Hard copies of the application and supporting files can also be inspected over an eight-week period from 3 June 2026 until 29 July 2026 at the following municipal offices:

• The Offices of An Coimisiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902

• The Offices of Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Whitegates, Wicklow Town, A67 FW96

• The Offices of Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93

Public submissions or observations concerning this additional information must be lodged in writing or online directly with An Coimisiún Pleanála at www.pleanala.ie between 3 June 2026 and 29 July 2026.

James O'Hara, Director of Offshore Wind in Ireland at SSE Renewables, said: "Arklow Bank 2 is one of the most advanced offshore wind projects in Ireland, and this submission of additional information to An Coimisiún Pleanála marks another important step forward for the project. The additional information we've now provided reflects detailed work we've undertaken over the past year in response to stakeholder feedback and observations on the proposed development. As a result of this work, we are now proposing infrastructure layout refinements as well as a reduction in the number of offshore wind turbines to be installed at Arklow Bank. We believe these measures will enhance the proposed development and ensure the project can be delivered sensitively.

"Subject to securing its remaining offshore consent and being approved for delivery, Arklow Bank 2 has the potential to play a critical role in delivering Ireland's offshore wind ambitions – supporting jobs, local investment and the transition to a more secure, cleaner and affordable energy system for the years ahead."