Donal Hickey: Offshore windfarms need proper planning now

Thousands of jobs can be created, but that potential cannot be reached without having a proper planning system in place

Simply Blue's goal is to develop floating wind projects that will make a valuable contribution to Europe’s electricity demand. They say that among the advantages of these floating wind farms is the minimising or elimination of the visual impact from the coastline as locations are further out to sea. Picture: simplybluegroup.com 

In contrast to the approach taken to the building of onshore windfarms, which led to widespread opposition from communities, local people are set to benefit from offshore windfarms.

With plans for large-scale turbines in the ocean, there could be objections from the fishing industry and environmentalists, but a sweetener is being offered.