The Irish Wave Energy Developers Association (IWEDA) has deployed a Wave Rider data buoy in Blacksod Bay as a first step toward establishing a Wave Energy Test site at a location near Blacksod pier on the Erris peninsula, Co Mayo.

IWEDA consists of 11 Irish wave energy companies who will use this relatively sheltered site test and enhance their devices before deploying them in more exposed sites along the Western coastline including, for example, Galway Bay.

IWEDA Chairman Conor Haughey said ' This site will be a stepping stone between tank testing and more exposed open sea sites. Valuable information will be obtained on deployments & recovery, moorings, data collection and transmission and bio fouling.

Irish Wave Energy Developers Association (IWEDA) group that deployed the buoy in Blacksod Bay

We would like to acknowledge the help and support of County Manager, Peter Hynes, and his colleagues at Mayo County Council with this project.'

Dr Patrick Walsh of Limerick Wave acknowledged the help and support of the local fishing community in the project.

The launch of the buoy was attended by Dara Calleary TD and Michael O'Boyle of Mayo County Council. Following the launch IWEDA members headed to Inishkea Island to hold their Annual Meeting. Local IWEDA member Sean Lavelle said ' it is appropriate that a group of wave energy companies should hold their meeting on an island of the west coast surrounded by the abundant carbon free resource they wish exploit.