Wind Energy Ireland’s 'Offshore Wind Action Plan' warns urgent action needed to protect Ireland’s offshore wind opportunity

Government must act urgently on policy commitments to realise Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions.

Dublin, 27^th May 2025 – The Irish wind industry has warned that Ireland’s offshore wind targets are in serious jeopardy, without decisive and immediate action from government.

The warning comes with the publication of a new ‘Offshore Wind Action Plan’, developed by Wind Energy Ireland (WEI), which was launched at their annual Offshore Wind Conference, taking place May 27^th and 28^th at the Clayton Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

The plan sets out the key Government priorities required to deliver on Ireland’s offshore wind potential and restore confidence in Ireland’s ability to build a competitive, sustainable and robust offshore wind industry.

While the Action Plan welcomes the progress made by government in recent years, it calls for fast action in the delivery of these policy commitments, with proper resourcing and funding to reflect the seriousness of Government’s commitment to the sector.

The document outlines a clear and practical plan for how the Irish Government can support the delivery of offshore wind projects already in development and put in place a long-term framework that provides certainty and stability for future development through 24 targeted actions, split across four delivery areas.

These are:

1. Delivering the Phase One projects to establish Ireland’s offshore wind industry.
2. Maximising the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), including progressing the Tonn Nua site auction and the future development of sites Lí Ban, Manannán and Danu.
3. Accelerating the National ORE DMAP to provide a long-term pipeline of projects for both fixed and floating wind.
4. Building vital infrastructure and demand strategies, including investment in ports, grid capacity and industrial demand to support offshore wind growth.

Among the recommendations are the urgent resourcing of planning authorities and key state agencies, at local and national level, clarity on grid access and offshore auctions and the prioritisation of port expansion to ensure projects can be built on time.

Speaking on the launch of the Action Plan, Wind Energy Ireland CEO Noel Cunniffe said: “This plan is about restoring confidence — at home and abroad — in Ireland’s offshore wind potential. We know what needs to be done. The industry stands ready to deliver, but it cannot do so without political urgency and whole-of-government leadership. The steps we set out today are not theoretical – they are essential.”

“We are now in a decisive window. If we want offshore wind to play a central role in lowering consumer energy bills, securing Ireland’s energy independence and cutting carbon emissions, we need a clear pathway forward. That means removing barriers, resourcing delivery and creating certainty for investors. The actions laid out in the plan will de-risk investment, accelerate planning and grid processes and ensure that critical infrastructure such as ports and grid access are available in time.”

The Plan was launched on the opening day of Wind Energy Ireland’s Offshore Wind Conference 2025, the premier gathering of Ireland’s offshore wind energy sector. Hundreds of delegates from across industry, government, finance and academia are attending the conference to discuss how Ireland can accelerate the delivery of offshore wind, build domestic supply chains and position itself as a leader in clean energy exports.

Speaking at the conference, Noel Cunniffe added: “The potential for offshore wind to transform Ireland’s energy system, economy and climate impact is enormous. But time is short. What we decide to do in the next 12 months will determine whether we have boats in the water constructing wind farms in 2030 and whether 2040 targets remain within reach.”

The Action Plan is available to read in full here.