Information day on marine energy test site off north Mayo

THE Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is to hold a public information day in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet, on Thursday, June 23, to outline the proposed addition of floating offshore wind technology testing at the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site located near Belmullet.

The event will inform attendees about the environmental impact assessment scoping report and consenting process that SEAI is undertaking to expand the scope of the site.

A series of informational displays will be available to view which outline the current proposal, and the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and speak to experts about the process.

The site received a foreshore lease in 2015 to test wave energy converters and to install a cable route from the site back to shore. Planning permission for onshore infrastructure was also granted in 2017.

To date no testing activity has started at the site and work has been focussed on surveys and data collection.

In 2018, SEAI began the process of expanding the scope of the site to include floating offshore wind technology testing.

The event, which is bilingual, runs from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel on June 23.

The SEAI welcomes feedback and encourages the public to attend this open information day to ask questions and find out more about the proposed plans.

You can find out more information about the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site at https://www.oceanenergyireland.com/.