Launch of Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan

Minister for Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science  Patrick O'Donovan announced the launch of Ireland’s new Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan this week.

The Plan is part of a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the growing need for skilled workers in the offshore wind industry.

Minister O’Donovan said:

"There are significant economic benefits to be achieved through the successful development of our offshore wind resources.

"This industry will bring jobs to our coastal communities, and to communities across the country. Ensuring we have the right skills in place is essential if we are to maximise these economic benefits.

"My department, and our education system, is already working to support skills development for offshore wind and renewable energy. We have new courses coming online through apprenticeship; upskilling and reskilling courses through the Human Capital Initiative and Springboard+; and we support industry-led training through Skillnet Ireland.

"But we need to do more. Budget 2025 has provided €2.3 million to support the expansion of skills training essential for the green transition, including in the area of offshore wind. This new Skills Action Plan will place this work on a strategic footing, and ensure we have a framework in place that will allow us to build a sustainable offshore wind workforce by 2030.

"The development of this Skills Action Plan shows how my department is committed to working in close collaboration with partners in industry, the tertiary education sector, and across Government to maximise offshore wind employment opportunities through skills development activities."

This Skills Action Plan is a key output of the cross-government Offshore Wind Energy Programme, a primary objective of which is to ensure that Ireland maximises the economic benefits of offshore wind.