News from the IWDG Consulting Team

All the latest news from IWDG Consulting

8th October 2019 By Simon Berrow

IWDG wins Helvick Head Offshore Windfarm contract

IWDG have been contracted by Energia to carry out 24 months visual and acoustic marine mammal monitoring as part of site surveys for a proposed offshore windfarm off Helvick Head. surveys, Techniques include distance sampling during dedicated marine mammal surveys, VP land-based watches and Static Acoustic Monitoring at 5 sites.

This is the second large offshore windfarm contract IWDG Consulting have won in recent months. IWDG Consulting adopt best practice guidelines and are becoming the principle group to carry out baseline surveys of proposed windfarms.

9th July 2019 By Simon Berrow

IWDG win Oriel Windfarm contract

IWDG Consulting have won a contract to carry out a 12 month visual and static acoustic survey of the site of the proposed offshore windfarm off Clogherhead, Co Louth. This windfarm has been in the planning phase for many years having first been identified in 2006. With recent demands for a rapid move to de-carbonising of our economy, offshore wind is seen as the most practical form of renewable energy in Ireland.

IWDG are pleased that Static Acoustic Monitoring is part of this baseline survey as harbour porpoise are likely to be a key component of the marine mammal community at the site.

IWDG CEO Dr Simon Berrow said “we are likely to see a big increase in interest in offshore wind in Ireland and we are happy that the IWDG can provide its’ experience and knowledge to minimise the impacts of this essential infrastructure on marine mammals”.

Marine Mammal survey of the proposed Oriel Windfarm site onboard Fastnet Petrel © Simon Berrow/IWDG

7th March 2019 By Simon Berrow

Meet Andrew Shine, IWDG MMO

IWDG Consulting have supplied a full time MMO to L&M Keating for the pier extension project on Dinish Island, Castletownbere on the Béara peninsular, Co Cork. MMO Andrew Shine who is originally from Cork City here talks about his role with IWDG Consulting and how he got involved in marine mammal work. Film courtesy of Tony Whelan at Canola Pictures

25th October 2018 By Simon Berrow

IWDG supply MMO for Dinish Island

IWDG Consulting were asked by L&M Keating to supply an experienced MMO for the refurbishment of Dinish Island, Castletownbere, Co Cork. The IWDG have a good network of professional biologists available who have worked with IWDG and were fortunate to have Andrew Shine from Skibbereen available at short notice. The job started last week and it will be a full time commitment for 30 weeks until March 2019.

9th August 2018 By Simon Berrow

IWDG Wins 2018 NPWS Harbour Porpoise Survey

The IWDG has been successful in winning another Harbour Porpoise Survey from the NPWS for 2018. This is the seventh porpoise survey contract IWDG have won from the NPWS and the third time we will survey the Blasket Islands SAC for this qualifying interest.

These surveys are required to meet state obligations for Habitats Directive reporting.