An earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale was recorded in the Irish Sea last night close to where a magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck at the end of May. The Irish National Seismic Network, which monitors seismic activity in the region, said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 12 kilometres at 11:28pm last night.

The epicentre was located approximately 2 kilometres off the coast of Wales and 97 kilometres south-east of Dublin.

The event was followed by two aftershocks approximately 30 seconds and 2.5 minutes after the main event.

Dr. Yochai Ben-Horin of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies explained "This earthquake, which would be considered relatively minor on the Richter scale, was located approximately 0.5 Km south of the magnitude 3.8 event which occurred last month".

"The earthquake was felt throughout North Wales, including Holyhead, Bangor, Menai Bridge, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bodorgan, Pwllheli and Caernarfon. We have not yet received any felt reports from people living on Ireland’s east coast but the quake was recorded by our network of seismic stations throughout Ireland".

Dr. Ben-Horin explained that there has been an increase in seismic activity in the area in recent months and further minor earthquakes are likely. However, he indicated there was no way of indication at present that a larger earthquake is likely to occur.