Geophysical Survey Completed at Mac Lir

April 2023

Geophysical Survey Completed

Source Galileo has successfully completed a marine-geophysical-reconnaissance survey at their proposed Mac Lir Offshore Wind Farm site.

The project is located in the Central Irish Sea Basin, off the coast of counties Wicklow and Wexford and in water depths of 60-80m. At its nearest point, the potential turbine-array-area will be over 22km off the east coast, lying entirely outside Ireland’s 12nm foreshore limit. This area has been chosen by Source Galileo to reduce visibility from the coast, limit environmental impacts, and harness stronger wind speeds that are found further offshore.

Provides a better understanding of environmental and physical characteristics of the site

A geophysical survey is a non-invasive way to map subsurface features along the seabed using remote sensing techniques. The survey was carried out on behalf of Source Galileo by Hydromaster Ltd. between March and April 2023 utilising the Marine Institute's “RV Tom Crean” their new state-of-the-art multi-purpose marine research vessel. The team took advantage of mild weather conditions during the available time period which was chosen by Source Galileo to avoid peak fishing season.

Before the surveys were undertaken, face-to-face consultations took place with local fishermen to ensure any potential impact on fishing activity could be avoided. During the survey very few fishing vessels were seen, and no fishing activity was observed. All fishing vessels that were observed were in transit and not engaged in fishing.

The data from the completed survey will allow the project team at Source Galileo to better understand the environmental and physical characteristics of the site and will help inform ongoing site suitability assessments.

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