Ireland’s Department of Transport has published new guidance documents to support the safe development and operation of offshore renewable energy installations (OREI), including offshore wind farms.
The Maritime Navigational Safety Guidance and the Guidance for Search and Rescue and Emergency Response for OREI (SOP 07-2025) were issued on 4 June by the Department and the Irish Coast Guard, respectively.
The guidance is intended to help developers meet Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions-targeting at least 5GW by 2030-while maintaining high maritime safety standards.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien (pictured) said: “It is paramount that a high standard of maritime safety is maintained throughout the lifecycle of a wind farm, from siting and construction to operation and decommissioning.”
The navigational safety guidance was developed with input from the Marine Survey Office, the Irish Coast Guard, and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. It outlines safety and environmental protection measures across all project phases and incorporates international best practice.
The Coast Guard’s SOP outlines protocols for maritime search and rescue, casualty response and pollution control in relation to offshore wind developments.
Minister of State Seán Canney said the guidance addresses the safety of everyone who uses Irish waters, including commercial and recreational users as well as offshore workers.