Students will evaluate literature, environmental impact assessments, and case studies from around the world with a focus on Ireland. Key topics include species identification, monitoring, bird flight behaviour and turbine collision risk modelling, habitat fragmentation, cumulative impact assessment, and mitigation strategies. The course also examines the regulatory frameworks and best practices for siting and monitoring wind farms to minimize avian impacts. On completion of this module you will:

• Understand the direct and indirect effects of offshore wind energy on bird populations.
• Identify and monitor at risk species.
• Analyse and critique scientific studies and environmental assessments related to wind energy development.
• Apply ecological and statistical tools to assess risk and impact.
• Evaluate policy and regulatory approaches for bird conservation in the context of renewable energy expansion.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for minimizing avian impacts of wind infrastructure.
• Produce an environmental impact assessment for these interactions

This course will take place on Tuesdays from 4pm – 6pm. Lectures will be delivered online either pre-recorded or live. Students will also undertake a half day field trip to Dublin Bay Biosphere.

Skillnet Course Fee: € 1850

Full Course Fee: € 600

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

• Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
• Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
• This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

• Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
• Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
• Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
• Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding then the full course fee will apply. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

• Undergraduate degree in related field e.g. sustainability, environmental biology, related engineering disciplines

• Interested professionals from the wind energy sector, environmental consultants, ecologists, conservationists.

• Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.

Career Pathways:

This course provides a pathway into a career as an Ornithologist specialising in offshore wind, a role focused on monitoring and assessing bird populations in relation to wind farm developments. Ornithologists contribute vital data on species behaviour, migration, and habitat use, ensuring environmental considerations are integrated into project planning and operation. Their work supports regulatory compliance and helps balance renewable energy development with the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Progression:

This expertise opens pathways into a wide range of sectors where assessing the environmental impacts of wind energy infrastructure is essential. Graduates may pursue careers in environmental consultancies, government agencies, regulatory authorities, and research institutions, as well as progress into advanced study or academic roles. The skills gained are directly applicable to evaluating and managing the ecological effects of offshore wind, supporting evidence-based decision-making and sustainable industry growth.

To learn more or to express interest in this course, contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie.