The project, which will be funded by Codling Wind Park, will also investigate how more inclusive engineering designs can enhance habitats for native species.
“NbS utilizes the inherent power of nature to provide sustainable and multifaceted solutions to complex problems,” said Assistant Professor Paul Brooks, UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science.
“In partnership with Codling Wind Park, [we] aim to investigate and assess the value of NbS, with a particular focus on eco-engineering approaches and the restoration of oyster reefs and seagrass beds along the Irish coast.”
Dr. Brooks said that faced with growing environmental challenges, researchers were increasingly focusing on the concept of using NbS to address various societal and ecological issues.
“In addition, we aim to emphasize the ability of NbS to promote biodiversity, mitigate climate change, enhance ecosystem services, and foster resilience in the face of environmental change. Gathering this data will help broaden our understanding of NbS and will help underpin the direction of future research in an Irish context,” he continued.
Project Director of Codling Wind Park, Scott Sutherland said the partnership with UCD forms a key element of the first phase of its biodiversity strategy.
“Codling Wind Park will supply over a quarter of Ireland’s 2030 offshore wind target and displace up to 1.7 million tonnes of carbon, contributing significantly to the country’s national climate targets.
“We recognize, however, that in parallel with the current climate crisis, we are facing a global biodiversity emergency and that it is our responsibility to develop the project in a manner that protects and, where possible, enhances biodiversity.”
Scott Sutherland adds: “UCD’s School of Biology and Environmental Science is recognized as one of the leading authorities in marine biodiversity research, and we are excited to partner with them. In addition to advancing knowledge in the field of blue carbon research, the results, which will be available towards the middle of next year, will also inform potentially suitable eco-engineering options both for Codling Wind Park and the wider offshore renewable industry in Ireland.”
If approved, Codling Wind Park will be located approximately 13 to 22 kilometers off the Wicklow coast, between Greystones and Wicklow Town, and it will generate 1,300 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, enough to power over one million homes.
