Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
261. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has considered the Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026 published by an organisation (details supplied); the steps being taken by his Department to ensure the delivery of offshore wind projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45953/26]
View answerMy Department is working collaboratively on a plan with all stakeholders regarding the development of a successful offshore wind sector for Ireland.
Wind Energy Ireland recently published their 'Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026', which identifies 18 actions they believe should be delivered in the next 12 months.
The Government is already progressing the actions detailed in WEI's Action Plan. My Department's Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) is working on the development of policies designed to deliver an accelerated and increased level of renewable energy generation. The OWDT brings together 16 Government Departments, agencies and industry representatives with the aim of developing the sector to progress and align activity. The key actions that are dealt with as part of the Taskforce's Offshore Wind Energy Programme include measures relating to Designated Marine Area Plans (DMAPs) and marine planning, biodiversity, grid connection, supply chain, ports policy, skills and workforce, and regulatory consenting.
The Taoiseach’s Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House Group, which was established in Q4 2025, brings together stakeholders from public and private sectors to tackle issues that cause delays to the delivery of offshore energy infrastructure.
In tandem with implementing the SC-DMAP, my Department is developing a National DMAP, expected to be published in 2027, that will identify a pipeline of offshore renewable energy development sites through Ireland’s maritime area.
In December 2025, I announced an unprecedented investment in grid development of up to €18 billion for the period 2026-2030 and my Department is working closely with EirGrid to develop grid connection options.
