In July 2022 Regina Classen, Marine Policy and Research Officer, Irish Wildlife Trust & Fair Seas, was invited to join the Dalkey and Killiney Community Councils at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dalkey to present the recently published report ‘Revitalising Our Seas’ by Fair Seas.
At the event it was widely accepted that offshore wind is needed to decarbonise Ireland’s economy, however, local residents voiced their concern over developer-led offshore wind projects that would be located close to shore with potentially adverse effects on biodiversity.
The event’s aim was to discuss the potential conflict between marine protected areas and offshore wind development. This is particularly topical for the Irish Sea, because offshore wind projects are more advanced there compared to other areas of the Irish coast, while at the same time there are very few marine protected areas in place.
The event was well attended, with representative TDs from government and opposition parties, councillors and important stakeholders, including the fishing sector.
The full event can be viewed back here:
You can read more about our proposed Area of Interest in the northern Irish Sea in this blog on our East Coast Area of Interest.
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We also welcome you to join us in Cork on 8th June, where we are hosting our inaugural World Ocean Day conference. We are bringing ocean advocates, government, industry and key stakeholders together to map out the next steps for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish waters.
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