The Irish government is determined to harness the economic benefits of offshore wind, Wind Energy Ireland Offshore 2023 heard today.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney told the event in Dublin that Ireland is moving into the implementation phase after last week’s ORESS auction results.
Coveney said the government is aware of the wider social economic opportunity for Ireland in developing the sector and “gripped” by the need to transition to clean energy.
He said the government is actively working to capture employment opportunities in what is an untapped industry for the country.
“Moving to clean energy is imperative,” he told delegates.
Coveney pointed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as underlining the need to move away from fossil fuels.
“We are determined to secure the economic and industrial opportunity in the green transition,” he said.
Coveney said the level of experience in the sector and among stakeholders is impressive, and shows the country is ready to deliver offshore wind.