Wind energy industry welcomes Budget 2026

09 October 2025

Wind Energy Ireland has welcomed Minister Darragh O’Brien TD’s Budget 2026 announcement, which includes an additional €8 million investment to support the development of Irish offshore wind energy.

This money will help fund marine surveys to identify suitable sites for future wind farms in Ireland’s national Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), due to be completed by the end of 2027.

The organisation also welcomed the funding to strengthen the capacity of State agencies supporting renewable energy development including the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), EirGrid and ESB Networks.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “The Irish wind energy industry welcomes the funding announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien TD to support the development of Ireland’s offshore wind resources and increase capacity within our key Stage agencies. 

“Ensuring we have the right people, expertise and resources in place to deliver the national DMAP on time is essential. This Budget provides the confidence that the necessary funding will be available to do the job properly.

“This investment, along with additional funding to increase capacity within our State agencies, will help transform our electricity system and accelerate the delivery of clean, affordable and secure energy for Irish families and businesses.”