Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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48. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on his Department’s collaboration with the climate and renewable energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26173/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The climate and renewable energy sector presents significant economic and business opportunities, particularly in the development of Ireland’s offshore wind industry. By 2030, Ireland aims to achieve at least 5 GW of installed offshore wind capacity, with an additional 2 GW under development for non-grid applications, including green hydrogen. This ambitious growth requires a strong focus on skills and workforce development.

To support these goals, the cross-government Offshore Wind Energy Programme has established a dedicated Skills and Workforce Workstream. This workstream, co-led by my Department alongside the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, brings together industry partners such as Wind Energy Ireland and Green Tech Skillnet to ensure a sustainable skills pipeline for the sector.

The main objective of the workstream is to the identify the requirements to build a skilled and sustainable workforce for offshore wind. A major achievement in meeting this objective was the publication last October of my Department’s Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan. The Plan outlines potential skills gaps and provides targeted recommendations for all the key partners to address these challenges.

In addition, the Skills and Workforce Workstream has formed an Expert Advisory Group (EAG), comprising representatives from Departments, agencies, the tertiary sector, and industry. Meeting quarterly, the EAG serves as a valuable forum for collaboration, shaping workforce planning and was a critical facilitator for the development of the Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan.

Recognising the importance of collaboration, my Department has built strong relationships with industry representatives, including Wind Energy Ireland and other key organisations within the renewable energy sector. I look forward to further strengthening these connections, ensuring that Ireland harnesses the full potential of renewable energy while advancing a just transition built around a greener future for all.