#MarineNotice - The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) advises that Bibby Hydromap is scheduled to carry out marine survey operations along the proposed interconnector route between Ireland and France.
Similar to the recent geophysical surveys of the same route, the marine surveys will extend from the shoreline at two locations (Ballinwilling Strand main route and Ballycroneen Beach alternative route), to the north coast of France near Roscoff.
The survey will comprise of 250 geotechnical locations between the 10-metre contours of both countries. The survey vessel will be in DP (stationary) while collecting samples and a wide berth is required.
Survey operations were expected to start on Thursday 11 June 2015 and will run until 30 July 2015, weather permitting.
Survey works will be undertaken on the survey vessel RRS Ernest Shackleton (Callsign ZDLS1). The vessel will operate on a 24-hour basis, will display appropriate day shapes and lights during survey operations and will actively transmit an AIS signal.
Survey operations will involve towing survey equipment below the surface up to 600m behind the vessel. A wide berth is requested at all times as the vessel will be restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
All vessels, particularly those engaged in fishing, are requested to give the RRS Ernest Shackleton and her towed equipment a wide berth and keep a sharp lookout in the relevant areas.
Further details of the marine survey area are included in Marine Notice No 27 of 2015, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.