Marine Environment, Science, wildlife, weather & Ocean energy
Dead fish recovered from the Ballymacraven River in Ennistymon in May 2023
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has welcomed the outcome of its prosecution of Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) for chemical discharges to the Ballymacraven River in Ennistymon, Co Clare in May 2023. At Ennis District Court on Friday 16 February, Uisce…
The record-breaking delivery of 80-metre-long wide-turbine blades from the BBC Citrine ship marks a significant milestone for the Port of Waterford and its personnel
The Port of Waterford made history over the weekend as it handled a cargo of a record-breaking scale. The port received a vessel load of 80-metre-long wide-turbine blades, the largest ever in size to be imported to Ireland. The blades…
Killybegs Port in County Donegal. Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney says he was struck during a recent visit by its similarity to Fraserburgh in Scotland, which is a port that has offshore renewable energy (ORE) capabilities. The Minister intends to publish an offshore renewable energy (ORE) industrial strategy for Ireland shortly
Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney has said he intends to publish an offshore renewable energy (ORE) industrial strategy very shortly. A draft of the strategy was due to be presented to Cabinet this week, he told the third annual national…
Laura Brien is the chief executive of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA)
There will be “no hierarchy” of access to Ireland’s sea areas under its new maritime licensing system, the head of the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has said. MARA chief executive officer Laura Brien was speaking at the third…
A young fisherman in black waders on board a fishing vessel drops out parts of fish as hungry seagulls swoop to catch them
A major new European project aims to improve our understanding of how the bycatch of fisheries impacts protected, endangered and threatened species (PETS) in the Atlantic Ocean, and develop methods for better monitoring and mitigating these impacts. Funded by the…
Satellite image of Lough Neagh
The owner of Lough Neagh’s lakebed has said he is “open to exploring options” amid reports of the return of toxic blue-green algae blooms. But as BBC News reports, the Earl of Shaftesbury has refused to budge on suggestions that…
A file photo of Baltimore RNLI on a night time medevac
A woman living on Cape Clear Island off the coast of West Cork was evacuated by the Baltimore RNLI on Wednesday night. The Irish Coast Guard had requested the medical evacuation, and the volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat…
To connect offshore wind energy to the grid, EirGrid must build new electricity substations and associated undersea electricity
EirGrid, the Irish company responsible for operating and developing the electricity grid and market, spoke at the National Maritime College of Ireland Seafarers' Conference 2024 today about its plans to connect offshore wind energy to the grid and its ongoing…
Humpback whales and common dolphins
The ESB has announced the completion of an industry-endorsed marine mammal observer (MMO) training programme to support those in the early stages of their careers in the marine environmental sector. An additional key aim was to fill a gap in…
The Keane family has opened their Wave Wild Atlantic Virtual Experience located in Dingle Bay. WAVE Dingle is the newest attraction to open in the West Kerry town and promises visitors an immersive adventure through the underwater world like never before
The owners of a former Dingle fish processing plant have received Brexit-related grant aid towards a 1.3 million euro visitor attraction, which recalls the harbour’s famous dolphin, Fungi. The Keane family, owners of Ó Catháin Iasc Teo, have invested over…
Lough Foyle’s native oyster population is important locally and internationally, economically and environmentally
Suspension of the native oyster fishery in the Foyle area will continue for another month, with the closure extended until 6pm on Sunday 31 March. The Loughs Agency says it made the decision following an analysis of the latest stock…
Ríonach Ní Néill who reveals her fears for the future a new Flooding documentary due to be broadcast on TG4 this month
The cost and impact of flooding influenced by climate change and environmental degradation is the focus of a new documentary due to be broadcast on TG4 this month. “Tuilte”, an hour-long documentary by Dearcán Media, examines just how vulnerable coastal…
Vanessa O’Connell as its new Development Project Director for the Dublin Array offshore wind farm
RWE Renewables Ireland has appointed Vanessa O’Connell as its new Development Project Director for the Dublin Array offshore wind farm. Dublin Array is a proposed 824MW offshore wind farm, which will be located about 10 kilometres from the coast of…
New DNA: More than £12.7m in funding has been secured for the Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic (DNA) Museum in Ebrington Square on the banks of the Foyle. The museum will play an important role in celebrating the rich maritime heritage of the North-West region, and highlighting the strategic importance of the city down through the centuries with trade and industry.
It has been warmly welcomed by members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture Committee on the news that final Letters of Offer have been received from funding partners for the new Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic…
Ireland’s climate could become similar to Iceland, Fianna Fáil senator Thomas Byrne has warned
A key Atlantic ocean circulation system regulating temperature is “on route to tipping”, a new study warns. The European climate is greatly affected by the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), and research by Dutch scientists indicates that it is already…
World-leading scientist Professor John Cryan has thanked the EPA for “continuing to award talented researchers
Research into nature-based solutions for water quality and ecology and “digital twins” for coastal areas are among topics the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is funding under a 14.3 million euro round. The funding of 33 new research projects covers research…