Q2. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Ireland’s biodiversity offshore?

Water quality and the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems and species is a particular concern in the context of Ireland’s biodiversity offshore. Cork Chamber welcomes recent work by EirGrid and other stakeholders to prepare for the expansion of the offshore renewable energy sector, however it is vital that offshore biodiversity concerns are recognised and mitigated where possible in the context of this sector’s development.

Cork Chamber established the Cork Offshore Renewable Industry Forum (CORIF) in 2024, bringing together representatives of the offshore renewables industry in Cork. The forum works to identify and advocate for key policy and infrastructure enablers that will ensure Cork and Ireland capitalise fully on the development of offshore renewables in the years to come.

CORIF has benefited from positive engagement with EirGrid in recent times, particularly in relation to key projects for the Cork region, such as the Powering Up Offshore South Coast project. Following approval of the first Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for the South Coast last year, there is a considerable amount of important work being undertaken by EirGrid and others in the Cork and Munster region to prepare for the realisation of the area’s offshore wind potential.

In this context, it is critical to balance these necessary developments to facilitate the green energy transition, vital to help meet our climate targets and prepare for evolving and increasing energy demand, with the protection of biodiversity offshore. It is imperative to consider regional and local conditions, alongside the distinct characteristics of habitats and ecosystems, while prioritising engagement with local stakeholders within the framework of these projects.

Ireland’s marine territory is vast, rich in biodiversity, and central to both our climate and economic future. As we work towards delivering on offshore wind targets and building a secure, sustainable energy grid, it is essential that we also safeguard the health of our marine ecosystems, from seabirds and marine mammals to deep-sea coral reefs. Scientific research, including work being undertaken by researchers at University College Cork, highlights clear and pressing challenges that must be considered in the planning and delivery of offshore infrastructure.

Offshore wind development, if not carefully sited and managed, may pose risks to marine wildlife. Seabirds are vulnerable to collisions with turbine blades and may be displaced from important feeding grounds, which impacts breeding success. Marine mammals are sensitive to underwater noise from construction activities and may avoid areas they previously relied on. While turbine structures may provide some artificial reef benefits, these do not outweigh the broader disturbance to established habitats.

Overfishing and bycatch continue to exert pressure on offshore ecosystems. Seabirds and marine mammals are affected by the depletion of forage fish and by accidental entanglement in fishing gear. Bottom trawling, particularly in deep waters, can cause lasting damage to cold-water coral habitats which take centuries to recover. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, warming seas, shifting currents and increased storm activity are already altering species distribution, reducing food availability, and threatening nesting sites. Pollution, both visible and invisible, is reaching even our most remote waters. Microplastics have been found in deep-sea corals off Ireland’s west coast, and noise pollution from vessels and industrial activity disrupts sensitive marine species.

It is vital that such potential negative consequences are taken into account before, during and after major development works.

EirGrid Biodiversity Strategy - Submissions

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