Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, has secured government approval to complete the INFOMAR seabed mapping programme, a national initiative to chart the country’s entire offshore territory.

The INFOMAR programme—led jointly by Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute—aims to map an area of nearly one million square kilometres, roughly ten times the size of Ireland’s landmass.

Final phase to run from 2027 to 2029

The final stage of the programme will take place between 2027 and 2029, focusing on the most challenging and shallowest remaining 125,000 square kilometres of seabed. Survey operations are scheduled from March to October each year between 2026 and 2028, followed by a final year dedicated to data processing in 2029.

The government has deployed a fleet of research vessels, including the RV Tom Crean, RV Keary and RV Mallet, to cover unmapped areas across the Celtic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. The project aims to complete what has been termed “The Real Map of Ireland.”

Strategic benefits across energy, security and environment

According to the government, the programme will support multiple strategic areas. In the offshore renewable energy sector, seabed data will help identify optimal sites for offshore wind projects, subsea cable routes and tidal energy infrastructure, contributing to Ireland’s target of 37GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050.

From a security and sovereignty perspective, the mapping will support the protection of critical infrastructure such as international telecommunications cables and energy interconnectors, while reinforcing Ireland’s management of its Exclusive Economic Zone.

The data will also improve marine safety by updating hydrographic charts and reducing navigation risks. More than 420 shipwrecks have already been identified, helping preserve maritime heritage and alert mariners to underwater hazards.

In environmental terms, the mapping enables a plan-led approach to conservation, identifying sensitive habitats—including cold-water coral reefs—to ensure they are excluded from industrial development. The data will also enhance oceanographic models, improving forecasts related to storm surges, flooding, coastal erosion and sea level rise.

Government highlights economic and energy security impact

O’Brien said the completion of the programme represents both a scientific milestone and a strategic priority.

“This final push to complete the mapping of our seabed is not just a scientific achievement; it is an economic and environmental necessity,” he said, adding that the initiative will support sustainable development, energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the department, said Ireland is set to become the first country with a significant maritime area to fully map its offshore territory, positioning it as a global leader in seabed mapping and marine data for policy and development.