As part of our study into a potential electricity interconnector between Ireland and France (the ‘Celtic Interconnector’), we applied to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government for a licence to carry out marine surveys off Ballinwilling Strand and Ballycroneen in east Cork over the coming months. These follow our first marine survey which took place in summer 2014.
The proposed marine surveys will consist of geotechnical and environmental survey works, following on from geophysical marine surveys which took place last summer.
Two surveys are due to be carried out from summer 2015. The results of these surveys will provide a description of the seabed which will be used to inform future environmental reports.
Public Consultation
Public consultation was carried out in January and February 2015 as part of our application to undertake these surveys.
This was a good opportunity to engage with interest groups in east Cork on the Celtic Interconnector study, and we hope to engage further over the coming weeks.
Should a decision be made to proceed with the Celtic Interconnector, we will carry out a full public consultation of all aspects of the project, including the landfall route. Interested parties will be encouraged to provide their views, which will influence how we move forward on each stage of the project.
Responding to fishing concerns
Established marine navigation practices will be adhered to and maintained by the survey vessels involved.
A notice has been issued to the Marine Safety Directorate, informing them of the offshore survey works programme, and a Fisheries Liaison Officer has also been appointed.