Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has published its Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026, identifying 18 priority actions for delivery over the next 12 months. CEO Noel Cunniffe launched the plan on RTE Radio One’s Morning Ireland, highlighting both the potential of offshore wind for Ireland and the structural challenges the sector must overcome to bring large-scale projects to fruition.
The plan places urgent focus on planning timelines, calling for An Coimisiún Pleanála to deliver its first offshore wind planning decision in September 2026. It also demands that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), EirGrid, and industry finalise all grid agreements and specifications for existing east-coast projects, and requests clarity on Ireland’s future offshore pipeline — specifically which sites will be available to progress and when.
On ports and infrastructure, the plan calls on the government to publish the National Ports Policy and, where a strong business case exists, to facilitate state investment in port capacity for offshore wind construction. It also asks the government to advance plans for coastal Green Energy Parks that use offshore wind to attract new industries and create jobs.
Ireland has set ambitious targets for offshore wind as part of its broader energy transition, but permitting delays and grid connection complexity have slowed progress. The WEI action plan represents a structured push to unlock the sector in a 12-month window.
