National report launched highlighting the urgent need for port funding

A significant national report produced by leading consultants GDG on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has highlighted the urgent requirement for Government funding for Irish ports to support the future delivery of the significant pipeline of offshore wind energy projects and help Ireland achieve its ambitious 2030 targets.

Commenting on the launch of the report Paul Doherty executive director of Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions (GDG) said that: “support from the Irish Government would de-risk upfront investment and could plug any funding gaps. This support could be through direct funding from the exchequer, a low-interest loan scheme, or access to funding vehicles such as the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Investment Bank.”

The WEI report also recommends that ports, the offshore renewable energy industry, and State agencies should be brought together under the Offshore Wind Delivery Task Force to identify solutions, including the possibility of designing an Irish Strategic Port Investment Model.

"Ports are not only central to the initial development phase of offshore wind but play a role within the local and national supply chain and in supporting national infrastructure. Yes, proper port infrastructure is critical to the development of offshore wind farm projects, and longer-term they will be a base for the operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms and eventually play a vital role in the decommissioning of end-of-life turbines providing massive economic benefits for the country. Given the strategic importance of ports to fulfilling our decarbonising targets - we must act now.'"

Paul Doherty executive director of Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions (GDG)