2014, Regeneris Consulting, Zone 9 - Celtic Array, Offshore Socio Economic Study

This study forms chapter 19 of the Stage 2 Preliminary Environmental Information (Stage 2 PEI) of the Rhiannon Offshore Wind Farm, which is part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The study was carried out by Regeneris and it describes the existing environment with regard to socio-economics and assesses the potential impacts of the Offshore Development area of the proposed Rhiannon Wind Farm (RWF). This study is closely linked to Chapter 13 Commercial Fisheries; Chapter 14 Shipping and Navigation; and Chapter 16 Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity of the Stage 2 Preliminary Environmental Information (Stage 2 PEI) and should be read in conjunction with Appendix 19.1 Environmental Assessment; Appendix 19.2 Local Area Profiles; and Appendix 19.3 Tourism Literature Review. Activities covered by the assessment are : All project design and planning relating to offshore infrastructure; Manufacture of turbines, foundations, cables and offshore substations; Installation of turbines, foundations and cables (cables extend to the cable landfall sites up to Mean High Water Springs); All operations and maintenance activity relating to turbines, foundations and cables; All decommissioning of offshore works