EirGrid, Ireland’s electricity transmission system operator and grid developer, will begin a new campaign of marine and coastal surveys along the country’s south coast from April as part of its Powering Up Offshore – South Coast programme.

The campaign marks the next phase of site investigation works, following the successful completion of an initial round of surveys carried out in 2025. The programme aims to develop the transmission infrastructure required to integrate offshore wind energy into Ireland’s national grid, with Tonn Nua identified as the first area to be connected.

Once operational, Tonn Nua is expected to deliver approximately 900 megawatts (MW) of additional electricity capacity, enough to supply nearly one million homes.

The upcoming studies will include geophysical, geotechnical and environmental surveys to gather detailed data on seabed conditions, marine ecology and other environmental factors. Combined with data collected during the initial campaign, this information will be used to inform project design and guide its development, while ensuring the protection of the local marine ecosystem and nearby communities.

The surveys will be carried out by Fugro, which has been awarded the contract under EirGrid’s Offshore Marine Survey programme.

EirGrid said it has engaged with relevant stakeholders in advance and has implemented measures to minimise disruption to marine users and the environment.

Alongside the survey campaign, the company will roll out a series of public information events as part of its ongoing community engagement programme. These will take place in Cork, Waterford and Wexford via a mobile information unit, providing updates on the project, including timelines, survey activities, community forums and opportunities for feedback. A webinar will also be held for those unable to attend in person.

In Cork, sessions will be held in Churchtown South at the Churchtown South Community Hall (P25AX24) on Wednesday, 8 April, from 10:00 to 13:00, and in Aghada at the Aghada Community Centre (P25C576) the same day from 14:00 to 17:00. A full-day event will also take place at Garryvoe Beach car park (P25C576) on Thursday, 9 April, from 10:00 to 17:00.

In Waterford, events are scheduled for Tramore Promenade on Tuesday, 14 April, from 10:00 to 13:00, and Bunmahon Beach car park later that day from 14:00 to 17:00.

In Wexford, sessions will be held in Fethard on the R734 (Main Street) on Wednesday, 15 April, from 10:00 to 13:00, followed by an event at Carrick on Bannow Community Hall from 14:00 to 17:00.

An online webinar will take place via Zoom on Thursday, 23 April, from 19:00 to 20:30.

Ahead of the events, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, Sinéad Dooley, said the Powering Up Offshore – South Coast project represents a significant opportunity for Ireland to meet its climate targets, secure electricity supply and deliver long-term economic benefits for local communities.

She encouraged members of the public to attend the sessions to learn more about the proposed infrastructure works and EirGrid’s role in connecting renewable energy to the national grid, stressing the importance of community input in shaping the project.

The initiative forms part of Ireland’s broader ambition to generate 80% of its electricity from clean and renewable sources, as set out in the Government’s Climate Action Plan, under which EirGrid has been tasked with implementing a plan-led approach to connecting offshore wind energy.