Offshore wind farm near Glenarm sparks tourism and wildlife concerns

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has called for an “in-depth review” of the potential impact on tourism from a proposed offshore wind farm development near Glenarm.

In its response to a consultation from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Marine and Fisheries Division, the council raised concerns over the visual and environmental impact of the proposed scheme by North Channel Wind Ltd (NCW), and has requested to be consulted in all future discussions alongside Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

The proposal, which is currently at the scoping stage under the Marine Works Regulations, involves the development of two floating offshore wind farms in the North Channel and Irish Sea, with turbines up to 325 metres in height. NCW, a subsidiary of SBM Offshore, is seeking a “scoping opinion” from DAERA as part of the early planning process.

The council emphasised the importance of preserving the region’s natural seascapes, which it says are central to the appeal of the internationally renowned Causeway Coastal Route.

It highlighted the risk of turbines being seen from key tourist sites such as Carrickfergus Castle, The Gobbins, Whitehead, Brown’s Bay, Larne, Garron Point, Carnlough, and Glenarm, which could deter visitors seeking “unspoiled views”.

In its submission, the council stated:

“The Gobbins cliff path, perched dramatically over the Irish Sea, provides immersive coastal experiences. Visible turbines offshore could detract from the feeling of wild remoteness that the attraction is built around.

“Carrickfergus Castle, although urban in setting, has seafront views that form part of the historic atmosphere. Turbines visible in the background of the lough could affect its heritage visual context.”

It further noted that the Ulster Way, Antrim Hills Way and International Appalachian Trail offer spectacular coastal views of Scotland, Bangor and the Isle of Man — all of which could be affected by the offshore development during both construction and operation.

The council has asked developers to position turbines in a way that “limits visibility from key tourist viewpoints” and to include visual impact assessments from popular locations along the coast.

Additionally, it has requested that any construction near The Gobbins, Larne Lough, and the southern section of the Causeway Coastal Route be avoided during the peak summer and event seasons.

The council also expressed concerns that construction disruption to ferry routes, cruise ports, marinas, or coastal amenities could deter visitors.

Environmental concerns were also raised, with the council citing biodiversity initiatives such as oyster nurseries at Glenarm and Carrickfergus marinas, developed in partnership with Ulster Wildlife.

Protection of these shellfish habitats was urged, along with consideration for bottle-nose dolphins commonly seen between Glenarm and Greenisland, and black guillemots at Glenarm Harbour.

“Larne Lough and surrounding waters are important for bird-life and marine mammals. Disturbance from offshore works could impact wildlife tourism or activities,” the council warned.

It also requested assurance that local bathing water quality will be protected throughout the development process.

A recent report to councillors confirmed that North Channel Wind One will be located in waters around 120–130 metres deep, approximately nine to 25 kilometres offshore near Glenarm Marina, with 46 to 68 turbines proposed.

North Channel Wind Two would be situated further south, off the east coast of Antrim and the north coast of Down, between 15 and 24 kilometres offshore.

According to NCW, the scoping stage offers “an opportunity to consult with local communities and wider stakeholders during the design stage in order to develop the most suitable and appropriate proposals possible”.