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Marine Notice: Site Investigation Works in Shannon Estuary for Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve

22nd February 2026
Artist’s impression of Gas Networks Ireland’s selection of Cahiracon, Co Clare as the location for Ireland’s new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve
Artist’s impression of Gas Networks Ireland’s selection of Cahiracon, Co Clare as the location for Ireland’s new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve Credit: Gas Networks Ireland

As notified to the Department of Transport by Gas Networks Ireland, Murphys International Limited (MIL) and Causeway Geotech are carrying out site investigation works within the Shannon Estuary adjacent to the townland of Cahiracon.

The works were set to begin last Monday 16 February and will continue for four months, subject to weather and operational constraints.

The works will include various geophysical surveys and geotechnical site investigations, which are required to inform preliminary design and facilitate environmental assessment in advance of a development application seeking planning permission for the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER) project, as Afloat.ie reported on last November.

The site investigations will be carried out by the jack-up barge Causeway Giant 2, the Ocean Supporter (callsign EI-TS-6), Ocean Quest (callsign EI-GW-8), Ocean Spirit (callsign EI-ZG-3) and Ocean Navigator (callsign EI-OI-8).

Further details, including a map and coordinates of the work area and contact information, can be found in Marine Notice No 09 of 2026 attached below.

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Published in Shannon Estuary
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Shannon Foynes Port Information

Shannon Foynes Port (SFPC) are investing in an unprecedented expansion at its general cargo terminal, Foynes, adding over two-thirds the size of its existing area. In the latest phase of a €64 million investment programme, SFPC is investing over €20 million in enabling works alone to convert 83 acres on the east side of the existing port into a landbank for marine-related industry, port-centric logistics and associated infrastructure. The project, which will be developed on a phased basis over the next five years, will require the biggest infrastructure works programme ever undertaken at the port, with the entire 83 acre landbank having to be raised by 4.4 metres. The programme will also require the provision of new internal roads and multiple bridge access as well as roundabout access.