The Government has announced the creation of an Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House aimed at accelerating the delivery of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy sector.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien confirmed the move on Tuesday, describing it as a key step in tackling obstacles to the rapid expansion of offshore wind.

The Clearing House will be chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach and include Secretaries General from key Government departments alongside industry representatives. It will also meet with the heads of public sector organisations to ensure Ireland can capitalise on its offshore wind potential. Its first meeting is due to take place in the coming weeks.

Mr Martin said quickly developing a vibrant offshore wind sector was central to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring energy security and unlocking opportunities for economic growth. “This task requires the collective skills and effort of the public and private sectors,” he said. “Following on from successful discussions at the Government Industry Forum in July, we have established an Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House with the aim of tackling barriers to the timely delivery of offshore wind energy.”

Mr O’Brien said the new body would support and supplement the ongoing work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, which he chairs. “At a time of rising costs and global uncertainty, today’s announcement sends out an important political signal that Ireland is not stepping back from its renewables ambition,” he said. “In a sector defined by very mobile international finance, investment will flow to the most de-risked markets. The Clearing House further strengthens our economic competitiveness and reaffirms Ireland as a stable and attractive location for continued investment in offshore renewable energy.”

Mr O’Brien added that he would shortly open the State’s second offshore wind auction, which will bring the 900-megawatt Tonn Nua site on the south coast to market, the first within the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan.