A geophysical survey is being undertaken in the North Irish Sea to provide site investigation information to facilitate the development of a wind turbine generator (WTG) array at the Setanta Wind Park.

The survey work for the offshore wind project was anticipated to start this past Monday 3 April and will be completed by next month, subject to weather and operational constraints.

The survey campaign will be confined to the proposed Setanta WTG Array site some 18km from Dunany Point in Co Louth at its most northerly point and Braymore Point in Co Dublin at its most southerly.

Works are being conducted by the Roman Rebel (callsign 2ICA5) and Lady Kathleen (callsign EIXT2) on a 24-hour and 12-hour basis respectively.

During operations, these vessels will be restricted in their ability to manoeuvre due to the deployment of the towed survey equipment. They will also display appropriate lights and signals.

All other vessels are requested to leave a wide berth during the operations. Mariners are also advised to keep continuous watch on VHF Channel 16 when navigating the area. A Fisheries Liaison Officer will be available to discuss operations throughout the duration of the survey campaign.

For contact details, coordinates and a map of the survey area, see Marine Notice No 20 of 2023 attached below.

SSE Renewables is rebranding its Braymore Wind Park project as Setanta Wind Park, following consultation with communities in in Louth, Meath and North Dublin.

“The new name will better reflect the region in which the project is situated, while highlighting local folklore and history,” the company says, noting the significance of Cú Chulainn — the warrior previously known as Setanta — to the people of Co Louth in particular.

The proposed Setanta Wind Park site is situated off the in the Irish Sea between Dunany Point in Co Louth at its most northern point and Braymore Point in Co Dublin, and secured a foreshore licence to facilitate surveys of the seabed to enhance understanding of the prevailing conditions at the site.

Once operational, SSE Renewables says, Setanta Wind Park will be capable of generating up to 1GW of renewable energy, powering over one million homes and offsetting up to one billion kgs of carbon annually.

The site location for Setanta Wind Park was chosen following a phased site selection process that considered regional resources and constraints and assessed the renewable generation capacity of the area.

These assessments inform the position, size and shape of the proposed area to be surveyed and are currently in review. Once this information has been gathered, it will be used, alongside information gathered during consultation with stakeholders to further refine the site area, SSE says.

Meanwhile, the company’s engagement with local communities continues with the launch of local schools’ art competition with an IT prize fund of €6,000.

Students from schools in Louth, Meath East and North Dublin are invited to email their depiction of folklore legend Setanta to [email protected] by Friday 23 December. Schools should nominate three entries per class group to submit in the following categories: Junior Infants & Senior Infants; First, Second and Third Class; and Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class. Winners will be notified by 6 January 2023.