*TD Timmy Dooley speaking at the Environment Ireland 2026 Conference
THE Shannon Estuary and Foynes have the potential to become a major hub for Ireland’s offshore renewable energy industry, according to Clare TD and Minister of State Timmy Dooley (FF).
Speaking at the Environment Ireland 2026 Conference in Croke Park, the Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment said Clare and the wider Shannon Estuary region could play a significant role in Ireland’s transition to a cleaner economy.
Mr Dooley highlighted the potential for offshore wind to bring investment, jobs and economic opportunities to the region.
“County Clare has a significant role to play in Ireland’s clean energy transition,” he said.
“The Shannon Estuary is one of our greatest strategic assets and, together with the facilities at Foynes, has the potential to become a major hub for the offshore renewable energy industry.”
He said the development of offshore wind could support ports and the maritime sector while strengthening local supply chains and creating employment.
“We need to make sure that communities in the regions where this transition takes place see the economic benefits. I want Clare to be at the forefront of that opportunity,” Mr Dooley said.
He also highlighted the Government’s work on the National Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy, which is intended to provide a long-term framework for offshore renewable energy development.
The plan will identify areas suitable for fixed and floating offshore wind and is intended to facilitate sites capable of delivering a further 15GW of offshore renewable energy generation by 2040.
Ireland has an overall target of 20GW of offshore renewable energy by 2040.
Mr Dooley said the scale of those ambitions created a significant opportunity for the Shannon Estuary and Foynes.
“The west coast has some of the best renewable energy resources in Europe,” he said.
“Foynes can play an important role in supporting the construction, deployment and servicing of offshore wind projects.”
He said the necessary port, grid and supporting infrastructure would be critical to maximising the economic benefits for Clare and the wider region.
“Our objective must be to ensure environmental protection and economic development go hand in hand,” Mr Dooley said.
“For Clare, the Shannon Estuary and the wider Mid-West, offshore renewable energy represents an opportunity to be at the centre of Ireland’s transition while securing investment and employment that can benefit our communities for generations.”
