Ireland's landmark INFOMAR seabed mapping programme is moving into its final phase.
(Image courtesy: INFOMAR)
Covering an area of just under one million square kilometres, the INFOMAR seabed mapping programme is one of the most ambitious marine survey projects in Ireland's history.
Following government approval for completion, it is now moving into its final phase.
A joint venture between Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute, INFOMAR is working to chart the full extent of Ireland's offshore territory, which is nearly 10 times the size of the country's landmass.
The final phase, running from 2027 to 2029, will focus on the most technically demanding and shallowest remaining areas, covering 125,000 square kilometres to complete what has become known as The Real Map of Ireland.
Survey operations are scheduled to run from March to October each year in 2026, 2027 and 2028, with a final year dedicated to data processing in 2029.
Three state-of-the-art research vessels, the RV Tom Crean, RV Keary, and RV Mallet, will be deployed across the remaining unmapped areas of the Celtic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea.
Renewable energy and marine security
The programme brings benefits in several, impactful areas.
For the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector, the data will assist in identifying the best locations for offshore wind energy and will guide the laying of subsea cables and the construction of tidal generators, essential for meeting Ireland's target of 37GW of offshore wind by 2050.
Also, from the perspective of security and sovereignty, the mapping protects critical international telecommunications cables and energy interconnectors and reinforces Ireland’s jurisdiction and management of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A flyover of INFOMAR bathymetric data in shaded relief
clearly highlighting the rocky reefs in Dingle Bay.
From the perspective of marine safety, the data is used to update hydrographic charts, reducing the risk of groundings.
Over 420 shipwrecks have already been identified, helping to preserve maritime heritage and notify mariners of potential underwater hazards.
Economic and environmental necessity
For environmental protection, the mapping allows for a 'plan-led' approach to conservation and identifies sensitive habitats (like cold-water coral reefs) to ensure they are excluded from industrial development.
The seabed data improves oceanographic and ecosystem models, informing storm surge and flood forecasting, coastal erosion prediction and the long-term impacts of rising sea levels.
Commenting on government approval for the completion of the INFOMAR programme, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien stated: "This final push to complete the mapping of our seabed is not just a scientific achievement; it is an economic and environmental necessity.
We are unlocking the secrets of our ocean wealth to ensure a sustainable future for our coastal communities and our energy security.
Recent events in the Middle East have shown the importance of reducing Ireland's dependence on imported fossil fuels.
We can achieve this by deploying home-grown renewable energy at scale.
This is essential for securing our long-term energy security and ensuring price stability for Irish households and businesses."
Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Timmy Dooley commented: "Ireland will become the first nation in the world with a significant maritime area to meet the objective of mapping all of its offshore territory.
The completion of the programme will solidify Ireland's position as a global leader in seabed mapping and marine high-resolution data, underpinning policy and future sustainable development."
Over 420 shipwrecks have already been identified, helping to preserve maritime heritage and notify mariners of potential underwater hazards.
Economic and environmental necessity
For environmental protection, the mapping allows for a 'plan-led' approach to conservation and identifies sensitive habitats (like cold-water coral reefs) to ensure they are excluded from industrial development.
The seabed data improves oceanographic and ecosystem models, informing storm surge and flood forecasting, coastal erosion prediction and the long-term impacts of rising sea levels.
Commenting on government approval for the completion of the INFOMAR programme, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien stated: "This final push to complete the mapping of our seabed is not just a scientific achievement; it is an economic and environmental necessity.
We are unlocking the secrets of our ocean wealth to ensure a sustainable future for our coastal communities and our energy security.
Recent events in the Middle East have shown the importance of reducing Ireland's dependence on imported fossil fuels.
We can achieve this by deploying home-grown renewable energy at scale.
This is essential for securing our long-term energy security and ensuring price stability for Irish households and businesses."
Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Timmy Dooley commented: "Ireland will become the first nation in the world with a significant maritime area to meet the objective of mapping all of its offshore territory.
The completion of the programme will solidify Ireland's position as a global leader in seabed mapping and marine high-resolution data, underpinning policy and future sustainable development."
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