Irish Government approves ambitious programme to map offshore territory

In securing approval for the completion of the Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource (INFORMAR) programme, a joint venture between Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute, the Minister has ensured that data will be made available that will help identify the best locations for offshore wind energy and for subsea cables essential for meeting Ireland’s target of 37 GW of offshore wind by 2050.

From the perspective of security and sovereignty, the mapping project will also help Ireland protect international telecommunications cables and energy interconnectors and reinforce the country’s jurisdiction and management of its Exclusive Economic Zone. For environmental protection, the mapping allows for a ‘plan-led’ approach to conservation and identifies sensitive habitats to ensure they are excluded from industrial development.

The final phase of the INFOMAR programme will take place from 2027 to 2029 and will map the most challenging and shallowest final 125,000 square kilometres. Survey operations are scheduled from March to October each year in 2026, 2027 to 2028, with a final year of data processing in 2029.

The Irish Government has deployed a fleet of research vessels to cover the remaining unmapped areas of the Celtic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Irish Sea.

Minister O’Brien said, “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 of 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 said, “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.”