Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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206. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the preparedness of Ireland's ports for the development of offshore wind; the way he plans to increase the number of ports that are ready for offshore wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2926/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department and I are committed to facilitating commercial state ports under the Department’s remit as positive contributors to the offshore renewable energy (ORE) industry, to support Ireland in meeting its ambitious offshore wind energy targets. Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective of the National Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce and my Department is a key member of the Taskforce in this regard.

In 2021, my Department published a policy statement on the facilitation of offshore renewable energy by commercial ports in Ireland. This policy statement emphasises the importance of port facilities in Ireland for ORE developments.

A dedicated ORE Ports Facilitation Division has been established in my Department to facilitate ports as they progress plans to service the offshore wind industry, and this Division continues to provide support through regular engagement and exploration of financing options with a view to maximising all opportunities available to commercial state ports. This includes facilitating engagement with potential financing partners such as the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund, Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and the European Investment Bank. In this regard, Port of Cork was successful in its recent application for CEF funding, which was supported by my Department, with the port awarded €38.4 million in July 2024 towards the development of its deep-water facility in Ringaskiddy.

I also wish to highlight the significant financing agreement between Port of Cork Company and the Irish Strategic Fund (ISIF) that was announced in October 2024, which was also facilitated by my Department. This investment of €88.5 million by ISIF is enabling Port of Cork to further develop port infrastructure at Ringaskiddy which will meet the specific requirements of the ORE sector. With construction in Ringaskiddy currently underway and a completion date expected in Q4 of 2025, the development will be the first port in Ireland with infrastructure capable of deploying the latest generation of wind turbines in time for Phase 1 ORE projects in Irish waters. This financing agreement and commencement of construction is a significant milestone towards achieving our 2030 renewable energy targets.

The work of my Department can be further evidenced by the signing of an agreement in 2024 with the European Investment Bank (EIB), whereby the EIB will provide advisory support for the development of ORE port projects in Ireland. The assignment is to assess capacity, demand and financing strategies required for the development of ORE port infrastructure, which infrastructure is crucial for the construction, and long-term operation and maintenance of offshore wind projects in Irish waters. The results of this engagement by the EIB will inform the approach of commercial ports and the Department in identifying sources of finance for these projects once they progress through statutory consenting.

Additionally, an ORE Ports Co-Ordination Group has been established by my Department to facilitate consistent engagement with key stakeholders on ports’ progress with their ORE infrastructure projects. The group meets on a quarterly basis and not only allows for ports to engage directly with the Department, but also with other key Government Departments relevant to the delivery of ORE.