Darragh O' Brien: Offshore acceleration plan will be a game-changer for Ireland and our future economy
Artist's impression of how the Doyle Shipping Group's dockyard in Cork Harbour could be used as a major hub for the delivery and assembly of offshore wind turbines. Picture: DSG
In an increasingly competitive global economy, Ireland must leverage its unique resources and strengths to our benefit, and our prospects are among the best in the world. This is of huge importance for us not only as an economy, but also a society.
Historically, Ireland lagged behind in the energy sector due to limited resources compared to other nations. However, with the rise of renewables, this narrative has shifted dramatically — the abundance of wind in our country has become a notable advantage.
Moreover, Ireland enjoys a strategic edge with an expansive offshore Exclusive Economic Zone — nearly seven times the area of our landmass. Coupled with our proud history of nurturing world-class industries and driving strong scientific and technological innovation, these factors position Ireland well for future success.
This Government sees the transformative potential of Ireland’s offshore renewable sector, and we want to unlock its key potential. I recently brought a memo to Cabinet for a very significant plan to accelerate offshore renewable energy development through the designation of additional zones for offshore renewable development in Ireland.
The goal of this new national Designated Maritime Area Plan for offshore energy will be to designate sites around Ireland’s entire sea area that can deliver at least 15 gigawatts of offshore renewable energy by 2040, which, along with other offshore projects soon to be in development, will enable Ireland to meet its 20GW offshore targets.
Onshore wind farms provided 48 % of Ireland’s power last February, and last January, a significant milestone was reached, when the State reached over 5GW of installed wind capacity — more than halfway to the State’s 2030 onshore climate targets.
A national offshore energy Designated Maritime Area Plan will build on the success of the south coast offshore plan, approved last October, which identifies four large sites for offshore energy off the Wexford and Waterford coast. A number of projects have been identified to build offshore wind developments under this maritime plan, and we will hold a second auction this year for 900MW.
Using this plan-led approach ensures there are dedicated and structured engagements with key stakeholders, such as the fishing industry, environmental organisations and those who live in coastal communities. It will facilitate a comprehensive environmental assessment process to ensure our marine habitats can be protected.
Challenges ahead remain and we must ensure resources are there to deliver on timelines. Ireland is not immune from global supply chain constraints and rising costs impacting the offshore renewable energy industry worldwide.
The need to upgrade ports and grid infrastructure is also vital, as is addressing permitting processes, but we are not alone in facing challenges by way of bottlenecks to renewables. Across the EU member states, 81% of the wind capacity is in the permitting phase — with many projects taking five to 10 years or more before construction begins.
Through focusing on a single plan covering all areas of our seas at once, our ports can forward plan for the necessary large-scale offshore infrastructure buildouts required to support offshore energy development. Forward planning for grid and interconnection can also occur within the framework of a long-term holistic view.
We have made huge strides in a short amount of time — as part of the previous government, we undertook the most comprehensive review and overhaul of marine legislation and governance in Ireland’s history.
In my previous role as minister for housing, local government and heritage, I launched the National Marine Planning Framework in 2021 and the Maritime Area Planning Act was passed by the Oireachtas in 2021, a ground-breaking piece of legislation which is now operational.
I also established the new regulatory authority, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority in 2023 — the State’s independent body responsible for the sustainable management of Ireland’s maritime area and a key enabler in respect of Ireland’s ambitions for the offshore energy sector.
Creating a world-class marine planning and regulatory environment will send the right signals to industry and investors.
As minister for climate, environment and energy, I will ensure this progress continues, and that Ireland has secure, affordable, and clean energy. I am prioritising the transposition of the vital Renewable Energy Directives II and III from the European Union to ensure Ireland has a fit-for-purpose system in respect of energy regulation and delivery.
Together with colleagues across government, I will modernise and upgrade our energy grid to ensure it can integrate renewable technologies and meet Ireland’s growing energy demands.
I recently visited the Port of Cork, which is undergoing a significant development to become a central hub for offshore energy — the first port in the State capable of hosting large-scale offshore wind projects.
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund has committed €88.5m to enhancing the port’s infrastructure and capabilities. This is to support the assembly, storage and deployment of offshore wind projects.
Shannon Foynes Port will also be at the forefront of Ireland’s offshore energy development, and will be a strategically important port as we look to develop floating offshore wind. The port has a masterplan to become a major international hub for offshore energy.
Floating offshore wind will be part of our future offshore energy development, and must be fostered. Our policies will ensure we are ready to assertively support floating projects when this technology matures and reaches commercialisation stage.
The Taoiseach has also committed to establishing a new climate investment clearing house to ensure any blockages to delivering clean energy and other climate investment are identified and eliminated.
This plan represents a significant economic opportunity for the State to attract investment. A report published last year for Green Tech Skillnet and Wind Energy Ireland indicated meeting Ireland’s 2050 offshore wind energy target of 37 GW of offshore energy could contribute at least €38bn to the economy and create thousands of new jobs.
As an island nation with abundant wind resources, Ireland is uniquely positioned to secure a competitive advantage in this critical sector. By leveraging our natural assets through a strategic, plan-led approach, we can build a more sustainable industry in the long term, while also instilling investor confidence.
The impact of all this will be to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are subject to volatile global markets. Generating electricity domestically will stabilise and potentially lower energy prices.
On days with the most wind power last month, the average wholesale cost of a megawatt-hour of electricity fell to €112.26, but it increased to €165.19 on days when we relied almost entirely on fossil fuels.
In terms of enhancing our energy security, developing offshore energy resources at home will decrease our dependence on imported energy and reduce exposure to international supply reductions.
We all have a role to play in accelerating our green transition — an opportunity that holds immense promise for our economy and future generations.
At a time when most Irish people recognise the importance of these initiatives for tackling climate change and building a sustainable economy, such narrow thinking is not only disappointing, it is a disservice to the common good.
I urge people to reflect on the bigger picture and consider the legacy we leave behind. By embracing collective responsibility, we can unlock the full potential of renewable energy — for stronger energy security, economic progress, and meaningful climate action.
- Darragh O'Brien is minister for climate, environment, and energy, and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal East
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
