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Project title

Assessing the socio-cultural effects of noise from offshore windfarms on coastal soundscapes

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Irish Research Council (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Eugene McKeown

Project Abstract

Offshore windfarms are being planned near the Wild Atlantic Way[6]. It is likely that the turbines will be audible at the coast. There is currently no validated method of modelling the noise level or assessing its effect onshore. While there is increasing acceptance of wind energy projects, objections relating to noise are a significant factor at planning stage and could delay the approval process. A delay of one year in closing Moneypoint coal station results in an additional one million tonnes of CO2[2]. Planning and permitting now includes seascape/soundscape assessment[1] without any guidance on the assessment methodology. Many coastal communities live in areas which EPA guidance states that noise from man-made sources should not be clearly audible[7]. There is no definition as to what ‘clearly audible’ means but a useful measure may be the emerging quantification of the ‘soundscape’[8,9,10]. The soundscape includes man-made and natural sources of sound near the shore, such as the waves, rivers and the wind in vegetation. There is also an increasing appreciation for these ‘natural’ sounds, with many studies recognising associated health benefits from quiet areas[11,12]. While it is unlikely that offshore wind turbines will result in noise levels that are harmful to health onshore, it is possible that the sound may be audible on occasion and change the soundscape in coastal communities, thus effecting the environment. Significant data gaps on offshore windfarm noise propagation and soundscapes in quiet coastal areas need to be urgently addressed. This project proposes to validate models for the propagation of wind turbine noise over water and assess existing coastal soundscapes to determine the extent of potential impacts. Long term datasets of background noise correlated with high resolution weather conditions will be accompanied with objective assessments of coastal soundscapes. This research will assist with evidence-based decision making among stakeholders.

Grant Approved

�112,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2027