EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, has begun the latest phase of public consultation for its Powering Up Offshore - South Coast programme, inviting views on emerging best-performing options to link future offshore wind generation to the national grid.

Running from 15 September to 8 December, the 12-week process sets out potential landfall zones, offshore transmission cable corridors, offshore substation zones, grid connection subzones and onshore transmission cable route corridors across counties Cork and Wexford.

The project has progressed to Step 4 of EirGrid's six-step grid development process, the stage at which options are published for public and stakeholder input. Feedback from this consultation, together with ongoing technical and environmental assessments, will inform the next phase of project development.

Powering Up Offshore - South Coast will deliver new transmission infrastructure to carry electricity from offshore wind farms into Ireland's national network. This consultation focuses on the infrastructure required to connect Tonn Nua, the first maritime area detailed in the Government's South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy.

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On completion, the Tonn Nua infrastructure is expected to enable around 900 megawatts of offshore renewable capacity — enough to power almost one million homes — supporting Ireland's long-term climate and renewable energy ambitions.

Commenting on the launch, Sinéad Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid, said: "This consultation is an important milestone in the development of the Powering Up Offshore - South Coast programme. The emerging best performing options we are presenting have been informed by extensive technical and environmental studies and engagement with stakeholders, and we now want to hear directly from communities and interested parties on these proposals.

"Local knowledge and stakeholder feedback play a vital role in helping us make informed decisions, and we encourage everyone with an interest in the project to attend our information events and share their views."

Submissions can be made online or by post, and a series of in-person and online information events will take place across the project area. These will give communities, residents, businesses and other stakeholders the opportunity to meet the project team, learn more and share their views.

Community Liaison Officers are available to answer questions and engage with landowners, residents and other stakeholders at any stage of the process.

For further information, event details and to make a submission, visit www.eirgrid.ie/south-coast-offshore.