Offshore Wind Clearing House established

In September 2025, the Government announced the establishment of the Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House, marking a significant step in the State’s efforts to streamline and accelerate the development of its offshore renewable energy sector.

The establishment of the Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House builds on the momentum of the Government Industry Forum on Offshore Wind, which was chaired by the Taoiseach in July 2025.

The new body has been tasked with addressing systemic barriers and impediments to the timely delivery of offshore wind projects, providing high-level intervention where necessary to unblock delays and coordinate cross-departmental action.

The Clearing House will be chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, and will include representation from the Secretary General ranks of other key government departments as well as industry stakeholders.

It will work in support of the ongoing efforts of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, which is chaired by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, and will engage directly with the heads of public sector organisations to ensure Ireland can rapidly harness its offshore wind potential.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD says: “The Government is committed to reducing Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and taking the necessary steps to ensure Ireland’s long-term energy security, and unlocking opportunities for economic growth. Quickly developing a vibrant offshore wind sector is central to this objective.

“This task requires the collective skills and effort of the public and private sectors, working together, to make the most of this opportunity. Following on from successful discussions at the Government Industry Forum in July [2025], we have established an Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House with the aim of tackling barriers to the timely delivery of offshore wind energy. This Clearing House will provide a forum where barriers to the development of offshore energy can be addressed by relevant government departments and public sector organisations together with industry representatives.”

Minister O’Brien says: “The establishment of the Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House will be a welcome development within the Irish renewables sector and beyond. The Clearing House will support and supplement the ongoing work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, which I chair.

“At a time of rising costs and global uncertainty, today’s announcement sends out an important political signal that Ireland is not stepping back from its renewables ambition. In a sector defined by very mobile international finance, investment will flow to the most de-risked markets.

“The Clearing House further strengthens our economic competitiveness and reaffirms Ireland as a stable and attractive location for continued investment in offshore renewable energy. In the coming weeks I will open our second ever auction for offshore wind, which will bring the 900-megawatt Tonn Nua site to market, the first site within the South Coast DMAP.”