Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
91. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will discuss the engagements his Department has had with the offshore wind sector and the potential for job creation identified particularly in Cork; the initiatives proposed to ensure adequate supply of staff for the offshore wind sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25294/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s coast has considerable offshore renewable energy potential. A cross-Departmental/agency Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, chaired by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, has recently been established to drive delivery and capture wider and longer term economic and business opportunities in the sector. My Department is participating on that Taskforce to ensure that the regional development, investment, and employment opportunities of the sector are capitalised on.
My Department is already actively engaging with the renewable energy sector, both directly and through our agencies, to develop the sector in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland continues to identify and work with those Irish companies with the capability to support the industry’s growth through its Offshore Wind Industry Cluster (The Gael Offshore Network) with 65+ Irish companies. These companies provide a range of products, services and skillsets appropriate to the offshore wind Industry sector.
Just last month Enterprise Ireland ran a Marine Ireland Industry Network event in the National Maritime College of Ireland in Cork and showcased the capability of Cork in Offshore Wind at that event. Next month Enterprise Ireland will also hold the Offshore Wind Showcase Event convening delegates from across the Irish and UK offshore wind industry.
My Department and its agencies also recognise the significant job opportunities associated with the offshore renewable energy sector. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the secretariat for which is based in my Department, undertook a study on the nature and quantity of skills required between now and 2030 to deliver on some of the enabling measures in the Climate Action Plan. Demand for labour associated with offshore wind development is forecast to increase from a minimal 2020 baseline level of employment to around 2,500 mid-decade.
My department is working with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to follow through on these opportunities to educate and attract the required workforce for the offshore and renewable energy sector in our regions with significant offshore potential, including Cork.
