Latest news with #NoelCunniffe
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Public support for wind energy is fuelling optimism
As one of the country's greatest natural resources, wind energy is being backed by four out of five Irish people. A new national survey by Wind Energy Ireland found that 80% of the public support wind energy development, with 62% backing a wind farm in their local area — which marks a steady increase in support for Ireland's leading renewable resource. The survey found that more affordable electricity, reducing carbon emissions and positive environmental impacts were the driving factors of support. Wind energy's role in supporting Irish energy independence was also a leading motivator of public backing. 'Irish people are hugely supportive of wind energy and know it is the leading solution to rising energy costs and the climate emergency,' said Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland. 'Wind power is already helping to reduce electricity prices, cut carbon emissions, and create jobs in communities across the country. "With public support stronger than ever, we need to accelerate investment in grid infrastructure and skills to maximise the benefits for families, businesses and the environment." The report also found that 75% of those surveyed support offshore wind energy, with 82% recognising its role in securing Ireland's energy supply. 'Offshore wind represents an enormous opportunity for Ireland — it can be the basis of our national energy independence,' added Mr Cunniffe. 'Research has shown that Ireland's offshore wind farms could generate €38 billion for the Irish economy by 2050 if we can unlock its potential. "This survey proves we have the support of the Irish people but they want to see more and faster delivery. The Government needs to identify new sites for offshore wind energy projects around our coasts and reinforce the electricity grid to accommodate the enormous clean power these wind farms can produce.'
BreakingNews.ie
27-05-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Ireland's offshore wind targets in serious jeopardy, industry warns
Ireland's offshore wind targets are in serious jeopardy and need immediate action from the Government, an industry group has warned. Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has launched a plan this week where it recommends the Government resource planning authorities and key state agencies, give clarity on grid access and offshore auctions, and prioritise port expansion to ensure projects can be built on time. Advertisement The plan welcomed the progress made by government in recent years and calls for fast action in the delivery of policy commitments, with proper resourcing and funding to reflect the seriousness of the Government's commitment to the sector. There are 24 targeted actions split across four delivery areas, which includes maximising the south coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), including progressing the Tonn Nua site auction and the future development of sites Li Ban, Manannan and Danu; and building vital infrastructure, including investment in ports, grid capacity and industrial demand to support offshore wind growth. Wind Energy Ireland chief executive Noel Cunniffe said: 'This plan is about restoring confidence – at home and abroad – in Ireland's offshore wind potential. 'We know what needs to be done. The industry stands ready to deliver, but it cannot do so without political urgency and whole-of-government leadership. The steps we set out today are not theoretical – they are essential. Advertisement 'We are now in a decisive window. If we want offshore wind to play a central role in lowering consumer energy bills, securing Ireland's energy independence and cutting carbon emissions, we need a clear pathway forward. That means removing barriers, resourcing delivery and creating certainty for investors. Ireland Report shows wind energy saved Ireland over €1.2 b... Read More 'The actions laid out in the plan will de-risk investment, accelerate planning and grid processes and ensure that critical infrastructure such as ports and grid access are available in time.' The wind energy industry group said Irish wind farms provided 32 per cent of Ireland's electricity in 2024. The plan is being published to coincide with WEI's annual Offshore Wind Conference being held in Dublin on Tuesday and Wednesday. Advertisement
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland's offshore wind targets in serious jeopardy, industry warns
Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has launched a plan this week where it recommends the Government resource planning authorities and key state agencies, give clarity on grid access and offshore auctions, and prioritise port expansion to ensure projects can be built on time. The plan welcomed the progress made by government in recent years and calls for fast action in the delivery of policy commitments, with proper resourcing and funding to reflect the seriousness of the Government's commitment to the sector. There are 24 targeted actions split across four delivery areas, which includes maximising the south coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), including progressing the Tonn Nua site auction and the future development of sites Li Ban, Manannan and Danu; and building vital infrastructure, including investment in ports, grid capacity and industrial demand to support offshore wind growth. Wind Energy Ireland chief executive Noel Cunniffe said: 'This plan is about restoring confidence – at home and abroad – in Ireland's offshore wind potential. 'We know what needs to be done. The industry stands ready to deliver, but it cannot do so without political urgency and whole-of-government leadership. The steps we set out today are not theoretical – they are essential. 'We are now in a decisive window. If we want offshore wind to play a central role in lowering consumer energy bills, securing Ireland's energy independence and cutting carbon emissions, we need a clear pathway forward. That means removing barriers, resourcing delivery and creating certainty for investors. 'The actions laid out in the plan will de-risk investment, accelerate planning and grid processes and ensure that critical infrastructure such as ports and grid access are available in time.' The wind energy industry group said Irish wind farms provided 32% of Ireland's electricity in 2024. The plan is being published to coincide with WEI's annual Offshore Wind Conference being held in Dublin on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Ireland's offshore wind targets in serious jeopardy, industry warns
Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has launched a plan this week where it recommends the Government resource planning authorities and key state agencies, give clarity on grid access and offshore auctions, and prioritise port expansion to ensure projects can be built on time. The plan welcomed the progress made by government in recent years and calls for fast action in the delivery of policy commitments, with proper resourcing and funding to reflect the seriousness of the Government's commitment to the sector. There are 24 targeted actions split across four delivery areas, which includes maximising the south coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), including progressing the Tonn Nua site auction and the future development of sites Li Ban, Manannan and Danu; and building vital infrastructure, including investment in ports, grid capacity and industrial demand to support offshore wind growth. Wind Energy Ireland chief executive Noel Cunniffe said: "This plan is about restoring confidence - at home and abroad - in Ireland's offshore wind potential. "We know what needs to be done. The industry stands ready to deliver, but it cannot do so without political urgency and whole-of-government leadership. The steps we set out today are not theoretical - they are essential. "We are now in a decisive window. If we want offshore wind to play a central role in lowering consumer energy bills, securing Ireland's energy independence and cutting carbon emissions, we need a clear pathway forward. That means removing barriers, resourcing delivery and creating certainty for investors. "The actions laid out in the plan will de-risk investment, accelerate planning and grid processes and ensure that critical infrastructure such as ports and grid access are available in time." The wind energy industry group said Irish wind farms provided 32% of Ireland's electricity in 2024. The plan is being published to coincide with WEI's annual Offshore Wind Conference being held in Dublin on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ireland aims to get 80pc of its electricity from renewables by 2030, with wind providing the biggest share, but the target is doubtful without offshore turbines. WEI is not alone in expressing concerns about the pace of development.
ITV News
26-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Ireland's offshore wind targets in serious jeopardy, industry warns
Ireland's offshore wind targets are in serious jeopardy and need immediate action from the Government, an industry group has warned. Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has launched a plan this week where it recommends the Government resource planning authorities and key state agencies, give clarity on grid access and offshore auctions, and prioritise port expansion to ensure projects can be built on time. The plan welcomed the progress made by government in recent years and calls for fast action in the delivery of policy commitments, with proper resourcing and funding to reflect the seriousness of the Government's commitment to the sector. There are 24 targeted actions split across four delivery areas, which includes maximising the south coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), including progressing the Tonn Nua site auction and the future development of sites Li Ban, Manannan and Danu; and building vital infrastructure, including investment in ports, grid capacity and industrial demand to support offshore wind growth. Wind Energy Ireland chief executive Noel Cunniffe said: 'This plan is about restoring confidence – at home and abroad – in Ireland's offshore wind potential. 'We know what needs to be done. The industry stands ready to deliver, but it cannot do so without political urgency and whole-of-government leadership. The steps we set out today are not theoretical – they are essential. 'We are now in a decisive window. If we want offshore wind to play a central role in lowering consumer energy bills, securing Ireland's energy independence and cutting carbon emissions, we need a clear pathway forward. That means removing barriers, resourcing delivery and creating certainty for investors. 'The actions laid out in the plan will de-risk investment, accelerate planning and grid processes and ensure that critical infrastructure such as ports and grid access are available in time.' The wind energy industry group said Irish wind farms provided 32% of Ireland's electricity in 2024. The plan is being published to coincide with WEI's annual Offshore Wind Conference being held in Dublin on Tuesday and Wednesday.
