Wind Energy Ireland has warned that Budget 2026 is the Government’s last chance to provide resources needed to meet 2030 Climate Action Plan targets.
The industry body said additional investment is required to ensure delivery of a national offshore wind site map by 2027 that will identify areas for 15GW of capacity.
In its pre-budget submission, WEI called for a €100m Climate Recruitment Fund to be financed by €10m annual contributions over ten years.
The group said the fund would provide staffing for State agencies to accelerate renewable projects and unlock private investment.
Chief executive Noel Cunniffe (pictured) 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.”
WEI said funding must be made available to complete the National Designated Maritime Area Plan on time.
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.”
The organisation also called for continued support to strengthen the grid, noting that wasted renewable energy was worth €450m last year.
Cunniffe said the additional €3.5bn recently announced for grid development will help transform Ireland’s electricity system.
“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,” he added.
Further recommendations include funding for county councils to review development plans for onshore wind, an €80m offshore port infrastructure fund, and increased investment in training bodies such as Skillnet Ireland and the National Maritime College of Ireland.
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.”