Government must use Budget 2026 to boost State’s ability to accelerate renewables

Wind Energy Ireland has warned this year’s Budget is the Government’s last chance to boost investment in key State agencies in time to make a difference to our 2030 Climate Action Plan targets.

The wind energy industry particularly highlighted the need to ensure funding is available to deliver a new national offshore wind site map by the end of 2027 which will identify locations for 15 GW of offshore wind energy.

In its detailed Pre-Budget 2026 Submission, entitled ‘Affordable Energy, Competitive Economy: Powering Ireland’s Future’, WEI is calling for a new €100 million Climate Recruitment Fund, financed by annual contributions of €10 million over ten years, to boost staffing across key State agencies.

The proposed investment would recruit people to work on climate and energy policy across Government, helping to speed up renewable energy projects and unlock billions in private investment for the green economy.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “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.

“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.

“It is also likely our last chance to make investments that can make a significant difference in trying to hit our 2030 Climate Action Plan targets.

“Giving agencies such as An Coimisún 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.”

Resourcing the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP)

Earlier this year, the industry welcomed the announcement by Minister Darragh O’ Brien TD of a new national map, identifying locations where future offshore wind farms can be developed. It is due to be completed by the end of 2027.

In its pre-budget submission, Wind Energy Ireland stressed the need for the Government to ensure that funding is available to deliver the National DMAP on time.

Noel Cunniffe added: “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.

“The offshore wind industry has faced challenges with missed deadlines in the past and we cannot afford further delays.

“We urge the Government, during its budget negotiations over the coming weeks, to ensure that the funds required to develop this national map are in place early and are enough to do the job properly.”

Critical energy infrastructure upgrades

Wind Energy Ireland also called for continued support in strengthening Ireland’s energy infrastructure to cut down on wasted renewable energy, estimated to have been worth €450 million last year alone.

This follows the welcome recent announcement of an additional €3.5 billion to strengthen the electricity grid as part of the revised National Development Plan.

Noel Cunniffe said: “The additional €3.5 billion for grid development will help transform our electricity system and speed up the delivery of clean and affordable power to Irish homes and businesses. The Government deserves huge credit for doing this.

“Direct investment in Ireland’s energy infrastructure not only helps to build a more resilient grid but also helps to protect consumers from rising energy costs.

“As part of Budget 2026, we are encouraging the Government to allocate funding to support the development of long-duration energy storage to store renewable energy for when it is needed.”

Other key recommendations in WEI’s submission are:

• Fixing our planning system – ensuring that County Councils have the necessary expertise to review County Development Plans to facilitate more onshore wind energy as required by the National Planning Framework.
• Investing in our offshore future – establishing an ORE Port Infrastructure Fund to finance port infrastructure for the development of offshore wind. Budget 2026 should set a target of €80 million to be reached by multi-annual contributions.
• Training our people – increasing funding to Government educational and training bodies like Skillnet Ireland and the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) to support the delivery of the renewable energy workforce across wind and solar energy.

Noel Cunniffe concluded: “Ireland has some of the best wind energy resources in the world. We can build a thriving, resilient and secure economy powered by renewable energy.

“The investment and the projects are there and if Government, industry and communities work closely together, we can become energy independent and deliver more affordable, locally produced, clean energy for Irish families.”

Pre-Budget 2026 Submission 2026 can be found here.