Application Decision: Application for a site survey at Barryroe North Celtic Sea by Exola DAC

Notice of the Grant of Permission to a site survey at Barryroe, North Celtic Sea, South West Coast, Ireland within Standard Exploration Licence SEL 1/11

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has decided on 4 February 2021 to grant approval for Exola DAC to undertake a seabed and shallow geophysical survey and an environmental baseline and habitat assessment survey on the Barryroe K Site, within Standard Exploration Licence 1/11 (SEL 1/11).

Subject to conditions, for the following reasons:

• As set out in detail in the EIA Screening Determination of 22 June 2020, the application to undertake a seabed and shallow geophysical survey and an environmental baseline and habitat assessment survey on the Barryroe K Site , within SEL 1/11 can be completed without significant effects on the environment, subject to attachment of specified conditions.
• As set out in detail in the AA Determination of 23 June 2020, the application to undertake a seabed and shallow geophysical survey and an environmental baseline and habitat assessment survey on the Barryroe K Site, within SEL 1/11, would not adversely affect the integrity of a European site (whether individually or in combination with other plans or projects), subject to attachment of specified conditions.
• The technical elements of the proposals are acceptable and meet the Department’s requirements. It is considered that information delivered from such activity will underpin greater geological understanding by providing an improved image of the seabed and shallow subsurface over the survey area.
• The proposed work is in line with the Programme for Government commitment that authorisations in place prior to 23 September 2019 can continue through the standard authorisation lifecycle, given SEL1/11 came into effect on 14 July 2011.

Please note that the validity of this decision may be questioned by judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No.15 of 1986), as amended. Any application for leave to apply for judicial review must be made promptly and in any event within three months from the date of this decision. Practical information on the review mechanism can be obtained from the Citizens Information Board, Ground Floor, George's Quay House, 43 Townsend Street, Dublin 2, or online at www.courts.ie.

Supporting information can be found in Decision Documentation.