Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has called on the Government to use Budget 2026 to boost the State’s ability to accelerate renewables.
In its pre-budget submission, it called for a new €100 million Climate Recruitment Fund, financed by annual contributions of €10 million over ten years, to boost staffing across key State agencies.
It said the proposed investment would recruit people to work on climate and energy policy across Government, helping to speed up renewable energy projects and unlock billions in private investment for the green economy.
“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,” said Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland/
“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,” he added.
Mr Cunniffe said 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 also highlighted the need to ensure funding is available to deliver a new national offshore wind site map by the end of 2027 which will identify locations for 15 GW of offshore wind energy.
“The National Designated Maritime Area Plan (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,” said Mr Cunniffe.
“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,” he added.
