Dear all, 

We are relaunching our campaign to protect the Arklow Bank and its fertile marine ecosystem of sand dunes, birds, mammals, fish and shell species. Did you know it was once an abundant oyster reef?

This unique sandbank must be a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA), and the surrounding waters as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directives. 

Earlier this year, An Bord Pleanála issued a comprehensive Request for Further Information to SSE Renewables (Sure Partners Ltd) about the proposal to build up 56 turbines on the Arklow Bank – a hopeful sign of thorough scrutiny following our mammoth efforts to submit observations. A response from SSE Renewables is in due in January 2026. 

If we don't raise these legitimate concerns now, we risk permitting the destruction of this ecologically-rich marine environment that we would oppose, but are failing to adequately protect.  Therefore we are preparing an application to the National Parks & Wildlife Services (NPWS) seeking designation of the Arklow Bank. 

However, this takes time and money. Everyone involved is a volunteer, but certain things, such as consulting with ecologists and lawyers need to be paid for. If you can contribute, please do so securely here.  Every contribution, big or small, will help us advocate for more vigorous enforcement of environmental laws.  

Offshore renewable energy and environmental protection must be compatible.

Thank you, 

SECPA committee members