ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 47 Industry News Work to begin on a National Offshore Renewable Energy Designated Maritime Area Plan Committed to achieving at least 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity, which will contribute to its target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. To deliver our offshore wind energy ambitions, the government has implemented a plan-led approach which is being overseen by a cross-government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. This will ensure that development of offshore renewable energy is delivered through a number of overlapping phases – in a planned, strategic, economical and sustainable way, which will also guide investment in this sector. The government has announced the commencement of work on the preparation of a National Offshore Renewable (ORE) Energy Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP). The National DMAP will be delivered by a Project Team in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, supported by a Steering Group comprised of sectoral experts from across relevant government departments. Preparatory work is well underway, and work can commence immediately on the statutory process. The identification of suitable areas for offshore renewable energy will be determined following a process of rigorous analysis of maritime and environmental data using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Technical feasibility will be a key factor in determining the outer boundary for the DMAP. The department will work with the State's maritime experts, such as the Marine Institute, to ensure that the approach will be evidence-based – using robust and best available data. Progress on key milestones, including public engagement milestones, will be reported on in a dedicated National DMAP workstream under the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce and through the Project Ireland Marine 2040 Group. It is expected that this DMAP will be completed by the end of 2027. EU’s new ecodesign working plan can be an opportunity for Irish businesses New measures that ensure products made by Irish manufacturers and designers are more durable and reusable have been welcomed by Minister of State for Small Business, Retail, and the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon. The regulation, which came into force in July 2024, marks a significant step forward in the EU’s transition to a circular economy and replaces the existing Ecodesign Directive. The new plan broadens the scope of ecodesign beyond energyusing products to include steel, aluminium, textiles, furniture, mattresses, and tyres. It sets ambitious standards for improving the durability, repairability, reusability, and recyclability of these products—supporting the EU’s wider environmental and climate goals. Minister Dillon described the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) as “a cornerstone” of the EU’s green industrial strategy: "The EU’s Clean Industrial Deal outlines a clear objective: to double the circular material use rate to 24% by 2030. The ESPR working plan is a critical part of achieving that goal. It will ensure that products entering the EU market are designed, from the outset, to minimise waste and maximise sustainability. Ecodesign has already delivered significant improvements in the efficiency of energy-using products, and this broader approach will be just as transformative." He also emphasised the positive implications for Irish businesses: "The ESPR opens up new opportunities for Irish manufacturers and designers by making sustainability a core element of product development. Companies that embrace circularity— considering the full life cycle of their products—will gain a competitive edge in both EU and global markets." Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting sectors affected by the ESPR through guidance, stakeholder engagement, and funding opportunities such as the Green Transition Fund. The initiative helps Irish businesses innovate and align with evolving EU sustainability standards.
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