More State investment is needed to stop green jobs heading overseas, Wind Energy Ireland has warned. 

The Government has set out ambitious targets to halve carbon emissions by the end of the decade and massively expand the amount of renewable energy generated in Ireland. 

The State hopes the offshore wind sector will generate five Gigawatts (GW) of energy annually by 2030, rising to 20 GW in 2040 and 37 GW by 2050. 

Ahead of this year’s budget, Wind Energy Ireland has urged the State to upgrade Irish ports so that wind turbines can be built here. 

“If Ireland is to hit its offshore wind target then we need ports to be able to construct these wind farms,” CEO Noel Cunliffe said. 

“At the moment, the only port on the island of Ireland that can build a wind farm is Belfast. 

“We need at least two more ports to be able to hit our 2030 target. 

“If we do not invest in this, then instead of creating jobs in Cork, in Wexford or in Limerick, we will be creating jobs in France and in Britain.” 

Wind turbines in Kilgarvan, Kerry. Image: David Creedon / Alamy

Mr Cunliffe also said the planning system needs more staff if the building of infrastructure projects is to be sped up. 

“We’re calling on Government to invest more revenue and more resources into our planning system, to make sure that State agencies like An Bord Pleanála and the National Parks & Wildlife Service have the people that they need to quickly make decisions on wind farm projects, on solar farm projects, on grid infrastructure projects right around the country,” he said. 

“This will help to build a more energy independent Ireland and is critical for the future of our nation.” 

This week, the Irish Government was given a ‘B-’ rating by Friends of the Earth for its delivery on climate issues.

Main image: Wind turbines in Wexford. Picture by: Bernard Golden / Alamy