This research project will deliver a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy (ORE) developments in Irish coastal and shelf regions. Using a multi-modal approach that integrates hydrodynamic modelling, ecological tracking, acoustic analysis, and seabed disturbance simulations, the project will evaluate how ORE infrastructure influences marine ecosystems at both local and regional scales. The research will be structured across seven coordinated work packages, culminating in the development of mitigation strategies that optimise
turbine layout, reduce underwater noise, and enhance habitat connectivity.
By the end of the project, the team will produce a cumulative impact framework, a suite of mitigation tools, and decision-support resources for regulators, developers, and coastal stakeholders. Key outputs will include peer-reviewed publications, open-access datasets, interactive visualisations, and policy briefs.
All findings will be disseminated through academic conferences, stakeholder workshops, and public engagement platforms, with long-term accessibility ensured via the UCC CORA repository and SEANOE. The project will contribute to ecologically informed and sustainable offshore renewable energy planning in Ireland and internationally.