RYA Northern Ireland update on North Channel Wind project

RYA Northern Ireland has been engaging with North Channel Wind on the North Channel Wind project, which is located off the East coast of Northern Ireland.
03 May 23
A view of the sea under the boom of a yacht. You can see the corner of a pink spinnaker and the sun is shining.

The governing body recently attended a meeting, alongside RYA Scotland, to find out about plans, ask questions and raise any concerns voiced by the sailing community.

RYA Northern Ireland’s Chief Operating Officer, Greg Yarnall, explains: “RYA Northern Ireland had a very open conversation with North Channel Wind. They shared their commitment to open consultation with all users of the sea and provided an update about where the project is currently up to and some of the considerations already made.”

Following the meeting, North Channel Wind commented: “We are keen to engage with all stakeholders and we thank the RYA for meeting with us to discuss the proposals.

“We are currently at the scoping stage of the development process, which means identifying all the factors that need to be taken into account in the subsequent project development and environmental impact assessment. As part of this there will be some early public consultation exhibitions in late May/June to give people an opportunity to learn about the project and give feedback at this scoping stage. 

“With a combined potential capacity of over 1.4 gigawatts, the two proposed North Channel Wind sites will support the delivery of renewable energy targets, the transition to a net zero carbon economy and reduce our reliance on imported energy.”

North Channel Wind has reinforced its commitment to engaging with the sailing and boating community. RYA Northern Ireland and North Channel Wind will be preparing a Q&A document to provide clarity and information. 

If you have any questions or general concerns about the project, please send them to greg.yarnall@rya.org.uk

For more information about the current proposals, please visit here.