The Irish Government has initiated the development of the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), a key instrument to unify the planning of offshore wind and other renewable marine energy sources. This strategic move is intended to streamline the site designation process, maximise available resources, and offer clarity for both the renewables industry and marine stakeholders.

“The use of strategically planned DMAPs will ensure that developments in Ireland’s maritime area take place in a managed and sustainable way,” says Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien. He adds: “By focusing on a single DMAP, we will be able to maximise our resources, in terms of financial, human and time.”

A comprehensive framework for the next two decades

The new national DMAP builds on the pilot South Coast DMAP, which was approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas in October 2024, and becomes a cornerstone of the Government’s plan-led approach to decarbonisation.

“This supports our offshore renewables target of 20 GW by 2040 and contributes to the 2030 target of 80% renewable electricity,” O’Brien emphasises. The initiative is aligned with the Programme for Government and is being overseen by the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, through a dedicated project team within the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and a steering group of cross-sector experts.

The plan spans from technical site analysis using GIS software to strategic projections for grid, port infrastructure and international interconnection. Technical feasibility will be a decisive factor in defining DMAP boundaries, in conjunction with environmental assessments carried out alongside the Marine Institute.

Jobs, investment and coastal development: harnessing wind for local prosperity

The plan is not solely about energy targets. It is also aimed at revitalising the coastal economy and fostering new employment opportunities in communities throughout Ireland.

“Our seas offer an untapped natural resource which can be the cornerstone of our energy transition,” highlights Minister of State for the Marine, Timmy Dooley. He adds that “the development of offshore wind projects, including floating and innovative technologies, brings vast economic opportunities for coastal communities”.

Thousands of jobs are expected to be created in fields such as engineering, logistics, maintenance and technical services, extending well beyond 2030.

Furthermore, the Government has committed to an inclusive consultation process with all marine stakeholders, including the seafood industry. “This strategic approach will also provide certainty to critical stakeholders, such as the seafood industry, by offering long-term clarity of proposed development areas,” Dooley points out. The process will also align with the future designation of Marine Protected Areas.

Local supply chain and Ireland’s global positioning

The national plan also aligns with Ireland’s broader industrial vision for the offshore renewable sector. “This national spatial plan will radically transform how we deliver offshore wind energy,” says Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and the Environment.

“Considerable progress has already been made in developing a strong and vibrant domestic offshore wind supply chain,” he affirms, referencing the latest industry strategy report.

According to Dillon, this national plan will not only accelerate the energy transition but also enhance the international visibility of Irish companies, generating sustainable employment and green investment across the country.

Governance and forward-looking infrastructure planning

A central aim of the DMAP is to enable long-term strategic planning for critical infrastructure, including ports, electricity grids and international interconnectors. This encompasses the logistical capabilities required to support large-scale offshore developments.

“An integrated, national approach will ensure that strategic forward planning for skills, enterprise and the industry-wide supply chain development can take place,” O’Brien notes. Updates on progress—including public consultation milestones—will be provided via the Project Ireland Marine 2040 Group and the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce.

The plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, following a data-driven and evidence-based process.

Progress in Ireland’s offshore wind industrial strategy

The recent “Powering Prosperity – Implementation Progress Report”, published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, highlights key achievements in implementing Ireland’s offshore wind industrial strategy.

Key milestones include:

• Establishment of a national offshore wind industrial cluster model.

• Launch of an interdepartmental working group spanning port infrastructure, training and R&D.

• Public-private partnerships to develop Irish supplier capabilities.

• Strategic initiatives to boost international visibility of Irish offshore companies.

The report reinforces Ireland’s commitment to becoming a competitive leader in the green energy transition, through a combination of policy alignment, innovation and smart utilisation of natural marine resources.