The Department of Transport has been advised by Iarnród Éireann that it intends to undertake a marine benthic ecology survey, geophysical survey and intrusive ground investigation on the proposed offshore renewable energy hub development area surrounding the existing Rosslare Europort, off the coast of Co Wexford.
These site investigation works is expected to be undertaken between this Thursday 5 October and 5 January next year, subject to weather and operational constraints.
The geophysical survey work will involve the deployment of hull-mounted (multibeam echo sounder and high-frequency sub-bottom profiler) and towed geophysical sensors (side-scan sonar, magnetometer and medium-frequency sub-bottom profiler) from a survey vessel. These survey works are anticipated to take place between 5-11 October, subject to weather and operational constraints.
The marine benthic and ecology surveys will involve up to 80nr drop-frame camera survey and, where suitable, grab samples will be obtained. The marine benthic ecology surveys are expected to be completed between this Saturday 7 October and 5 January next year.
The intrusive ground investigation will involve up to 40nr over-water nearshore marine boreholes, up to 40nr over-water nearshore marine cone penetration tests with pore water measurement and up to 60nr over-water nearshore marine gravity corers (vibrocores) carried out from a jack-up barge.
The site investigation shall also comprise relevant in-situ testing. These works are expected to be completed between 30 October and 5 January, subject to weather and operational constraints.
For further details of the survey vessels, relevant maps, coordinates and contact information, see Marine Notice No 66 of 2023 attached below.
