Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has called on the Irish government to use Budget 2026 to allocate critical resources needed to meet the targets set out in the 2030 Climate Action Plan, warning that time is running out to make meaningful progress.
In its pre-budget submission, the industry body said the upcoming budget represents “likely our last chance” to secure funding that would enable State agencies to deliver renewable energy infrastructure at the required pace. WEI emphasised the need for a national offshore wind site map by 2027, identifying areas for up to 15 gigawatts (GW) of capacity.
“The message we hear consistently from people working on the front lines of delivering renewable energy throughout Government departments, State agencies and public bodies is that they simply don’t have the people and the expertise to deliver as fast as they want to,” said WEI Chief Executive Noel Cunniffe.
To address staffing constraints, WEI proposed a €100 million Climate Recruitment Fund, to be financed by €10 million annually over a decade. The fund would be used to recruit personnel across key agencies involved in planning and permitting for renewable energy projects.
“Budget 2026 is an opportunity to increase capacity within our State agencies and invest resources in the key building blocks for an Ireland which will be energy independent,” Cunniffe said. “Giving agencies such as An Coimisiún Pleanála, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Marine Institute and others additional resources is vital so they have the capacity to ensure applications and policies for renewable energy projects are delivered thoroughly and quickly.”
WEI also urged the government to ensure timely funding for the completion of the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), which sets out the spatial strategy for offshore wind development.
“The National DMAP will not be complete by the end of 2027 if the resources, the personnel and the expertise are not in place to ensure we hit that target,” Cunniffe warned. “The offshore wind industry has faced challenges with missed deadlines in the past and we cannot afford further delays.”
