Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of recent reports (details supplied) that highlight critical skills and labour gaps in order to meet our 2030 targets as part of Ireland's energy transition; the corrective measures he will take in order to fill these gaps; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department co-leads with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications a dedicated "skills and workforce workstream" as part of the cross-government Offshore Wind Energy Programme to meet Government's ambitious targets for offshore wind capacity.
The recently launched report, Building our Potential: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs, is a key deliverable of this workstream. Commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland who also participate in the workstream and funded by Skillnet Ireland, the Government's designated workforce development agency, the report was conducted in close collaboration with my officials.
It details the skills and workforce requirements to deliver Ireland’s offshore wind targets. The report assesses both the skills opportunities for Ireland associated with offshore wind, and the challenges we face when it comes to developing these skills. It makes a number of recommendations to meet the projected workforce need. The analysis in the report significantly complements the recent ESRI report The National Development Plan in 2023: Priorities and Capacity by providing a granular and comprehensive assessment of specific skill requirements for the development of Ireland's offshore wind industry.
Following the recent publication of the report, my Department has been further examining this significant and valuable report. It is clear that the report will play a very important role in advising and guiding ongoing work in this area of critical strategic importance to meeting Ireland's future sustainable energy needs.
I plan to bring forward shortly a Memorandum for the Information of the Government, with proposals outlining the next steps in meeting offshore wind energy workforce and skills needs.
