Assistant Secretary for Maritime Transport Eamonn Kelly has emphasised the key role of Irish ports in delivering the country’s offshore wind ambitions.
Under the Climate Action Plan, Ireland targets 5GW by 2030, 20GW by 2040 and 37GW by 2050. A multi-port strategy is essential, with the Port of Cork’s Ringaskiddy facility nearing completion as the first dedicated offshore renewable energy deployment port.
Other ports including Rosslare Europort, Waterford and Shannon Foynes are advancing plans. Significant investments in quay strengthening and berth deepening will be required over the coming decades to support turbine deployment and construction vessels.
Eamonn Kelly shared; ““We have a lot of sea, we have a lot of wind. It is a logical choice that we should be looking to leverage these sustainable natural resources for the benefit of our country.. While the primary function of our ports is to facilitate maritime transport, they can do an awful lot more than that. They are not just gateways to the world of trade; they can enable other activities. The Government has recognised that we need a multi-port strategy. No one port is going to solve the problem in terms of building offshore renewable energy,”
