Mixed views on plans for offshore wind in the Irish Sea and the west coast GP who windsurfs are among topics on Seascapes, the RTÉ maritime programme, which returns for a six-week run this Friday, May 9th.
The programme hears the voices of people opposed, in support of and not sure about the impact of offshore wind turbines at a public meeting hosted by Blue Ireland in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin last month.
Blue Ireland describes itself as an association of citizens’ groups representing, as it says, “a shared vision to protect our seas” in light of government plans for offshore wind.
German multinational RWE has submitted its planning application for the Dublin Array off the Dublin and Wicklow coasts – one of a cluster of applications now with An Bord Pleanála for the Irish Sea.
Dr Katie McAnena out in the wind and the waves of the west coast of Ireland Photo: Tim Bonython
Sligo-based GP Dr Katie McAnena, who is originally from Galway, has been a long-time Irish windsurfing champion. Now a mother of two, she surfs, windsurfs and paddleboards at her local beaches near Bundoran.
Just over 12 years ago, she became one of the world’s first women to windsurf “Jaws”, a wave formation caused by an underwater ridge off Maui in Hawaii which can reach over 18 metres or 60 feet.
The wave formation is considered to be as unpredictable as a shark attack – hence its nickname.
In an interview on Tullan strand, McAnena remembers how she told no one beforehand, not even her parents, and reflects on the experience and the “thirst” she feels for spending time on the water.
There will be a weekly update of marine-related news on Seascapes, which is presented by Lorna Siggins and produced by Ronan Kelly.
Seascapes is on RTÉ Radio One on Friday, May 9th at 10.30 pm.
