Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin has chaired the country’s first Government-Industry Forum on Offshore Renewable Energy, as the government seeks to fast-track the development of large-scale offshore wind projects and strengthen collaboration with industry stakeholders.
The event, held at Government Buildings in Dublin, brought together ministers, senior officials, and energy sector leaders to review progress and outline the next steps in Ireland’s offshore wind strategy.
Speaking at the forum, Martin described offshore renewables as central to Ireland’s future energy mix, citing the country’s geographic advantage. “Ireland’s large maritime area and proximity to European and UK energy markets provides enormous potential for offshore renewable energy,” he said.
“Ultimately, our shared aim is to replace the use of fossil fuels with clean renewable energy, harnessed from our own abundant resources,” Martin added. “The offshore wind sector will provide new jobs, new economic and social opportunities, and a more resilient, secure and sustainable energy system for future generations.”
The forum follows several key policy developments, including a recent government funding package aimed at upgrading the country’s onshore and offshore electricity grids.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien said offshore renewables remain “a key priority for this government,” with an emphasis on speeding up delivery. “This first-ever Taoiseach’s Forum arrives at an important time for the ORE industry in Ireland,” he said. “We have five phase one projects in the planning system, with the expectation that these first projects will be in construction by 2030.”
O’Brien also confirmed that the second offshore renewable energy auction, known as Tonn Nua, will take place later this year and aims to procure an additional 900 megawatts of capacity.
Minister of State Timmy Dooley pointed to Ireland’s success in onshore wind development, with wind now generating more than 35% of the country’s electricity. “The goal is to mirror that achievement offshore,” he said, referencing the government’s target to deliver 20 gigawatts of offshore renewable energy by 2040.
Dooley also highlighted the recent launch of the National Designated Maritime Area Plan, designed to enable forward planning and infrastructure development. “This will unlock tens of thousands of new green jobs for many communities across the State,” he said.
Government officials said the forum would serve as a recurring platform to strengthen public-private collaboration and help address challenges facing the sector.
