Minister O’Brien announces publication of Future Framework 2025 Review and Offshore Wind Technical Resource Assessment
 
The Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, today announced the publication of the Future Framework 2025 Review, which highlights significant milestones in Ireland’s journey towards becoming a global leader in offshore renewable energy (ORE).
 
Ireland has ambitious targets. The availability of abundant, reliable green energy will drive clean, sustainable growth in energy-intensive sectors, together with numerous opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
 
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications launched the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy in May 2024. The framework is the long-term model and vision for ORE in Ireland. It sets out a roadmap for reaching our long-term ambitious targets and includes a set of 29 medium-term actions to kickstart our long-term offshore energy policy. The review also includes an updated action plan for the coming year – which will reaffirm the government’s commitment to its ORE ambitions.
 
One significant action to have been completed is the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for offshore renewable energy, which was approved by government earlier this month. The National ORE DMAP forms part of a Programme for Government commitment to ‘Fast-Track Offshore Wind Development’ and the plan will designate sites around Ireland’s entire sea area to meet Ireland’s target of 20 GW of offshore renewable energy by 2040.
 
Offshore Wind Technical Resource Assessment also published by Department
 
Another landmark achievement within the Future Framework Review is the publication of the Offshore Wind Technical Resource Assessment, also announced today by Minister O’Brien. This assessment provides a detailed analysis and recommendations for the development of commercial fixed and floating offshore wind around Ireland’s coast. It’s an important initial step and provides an evidence base for future designation of ORE sites around Ireland coastline.
 
The assessment concludes that there could be an additional 3.5-18GW of fixed-bottom offshore wind that could be reasonably developed around the coast, which is additional to the 8GW of offshore wind already planned in Ireland between the Phase One projects and the South Coast DMAP. The analysis also explores the evidence base for the development of at-scale floating offshore wind in Irish waters and a floating offshore wind demonstrator site respectively.
 
In keeping with international market projection, the assessment shows that at present, fixed-bottom wind is less expensive than floating wind at all locations where it can be technically developed. Thus, for affordability reasons, it concludes that the development of fixed offshore wind should be prioritised over floating offshore wind in the near term, while anticipating floating technology to commercialise.
 
Commenting on the Future Framework 2025 Review, Minister O’Brien said:
 
“One year on from the launch or the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, this annual review shows that significant progress has been made over the last year as we plan Ireland’s long-term offshore wind future. Renewable energy projects are poised to revolutionise our economy, offering significant regional and national economic benefits while giving us more control over our energy sovereignty.
 
“The Future Framework is delivering and evidenced-based approach and this is key to realising our energy potential. Much of the technology needed to harness our Atlantic’s enormous potential is still being developed globally. This long-term model will ensure that we are ready for all potential future offshore renewable energy sources, including fixed and floating wind, wave and tidal renewable energy.
 
“An all-of-government approach is being taken to deliver on our offshore wind ambitions. Government will continue to work alongside industry to strive for the successful achievement of all actions and commitments under the Future Framework and to deliver a sustainable and prosperous offshore renewable energy industry.”
 
Commenting on the publication of the Technical Resource Assessment, Minister O’Brien said:
 
“The Offshore Wind Technical Resource Assessment is an important initial step as we look to designate offshore wind sites along our coastline, by providing a high-level assessment of potential areas for project development to inform planning. An in-depth marine spatial planning process will then be completed, as my department starts work on the development of the National Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy, which will designate sites for offshore renewables along our coastline.”
 
The publications can be viewed at this link: Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has today officially opened the Killaloe Bypass road project, a transformative 6.2km development which includes the first new vehicular bridge across the Shannon in more than three decades.
The project is located in the vicinity of the twin towns of Killaloe, Co Clare and Ballina, Co Tipperary, on opposite sides of the River Shannon.
It provides a western bypass of Killaloe, the first new vehicular bridge crossing over the Shannon since 1991, and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Birdhill.
The bridge, known as the Brian Ború Bridge, was a complex engineering feat for those involved in the project that took 2.5 years to complete. The initial overall cost estimate for the scheme was approximately €88 million.
The scheme will greatly improve the quality of life for residents of both towns. The alternative route will take through traffic and HGVs out of both town centres, thereby significantly reducing congestion, protecting both heritage areas, and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and the region’s tourism sector.

 The project was listed in the National Development Plan and comprises:

• 2km of new single carriageway bypass around the town of Killaloe which connects the R463 to the north of the town with the Brian Ború Bridge section and R494 to the south of the town;
• a new single carriageway bridge named in honour of Brian Ború crossing over the River Shannon approximately 1km south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and connecting the Killaloe Bypass with the R494;
• the upgrade and realignment of approximately 3.3 kilometres of the existing R494 from its junction with the R496 and Brian Ború Bridge south of Ballina, as far as the junction with the R445 (previously known as N7) north of Birdhill, and the M7 link road; 
• Provision of dedicated, high quality new cycling and pedestrian facilities along the approximately 6.2km length of road development;
• the new Brian Ború bridge over the Shannon at Ballina-Killaloe is the first new vehicular bridge across the river since the opening of Shannon Way Bridge in 1991, which connects Athlone Westmeath County Council to the east and Roscommon County Council to the west.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister O’Brien said: “I am delighted to officially open this transformative road project, which strengthens the connection between communities in Clare and Tipperary. With approximately €88m million in funding allocated by my Department, this represents a significant Government investment in regional infrastructure and underscores our ongoing commitment to investing in and modernising Ireland’s road network.
“Road safety remains a key priority in all our infrastructure projects. The completion of the Killaloe Bypass will significantly enhance safety and efficiency for all road users. The inclusion of dedicated pedestrian and cycling facilities not only improves safety but also encourages more sustainable, active travel along this vital corridor.”
Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, said: “The opening of the Brian Ború bridge is a positive and welcome development for all in the area, particularly local communities in Clare and Tipperary. Infrastructure plays a vital role in connecting rural communities and enhancing safety for all road users. The bridge will also reduce congestion and redirect heavy traffic out of the town centre, making the area even more attractive to visitors from Ireland and across the world.”
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Alan O’Callaghan said: “The need for this bridge and bypass has been evident for many years. Congestion on both sides of the river led to long tailbacks causing significant pollution and poor air quality from standing traffic. The daily frustration from 7,000 vehicles a day crossing the old single lane bridge cannot be overestimated, with road safety also an issue due to the lack of segregation between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. But today all that will change. From this evening tail backs will hopefully be a thing of the past, and journey times will be significantly reduced, enhancing connectivity and convenience for all.”
Chief Executive Clare County Council Gordon Daly said: “This project is not just a dividend for the twin communities of Killaloe and Ballina, nor is it just a road and bridge; it will be a catalyst for social and economic development. By improving accessibility for our rural towns and villages in the hinterland, we are opening up new opportunities for development and prosperity enabling investment, tourism and population growth.”
Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Cllr Declan Burgess said: “The completion of the Brian Ború bridge is a historic day for the people of Ballina and Killaloe. There can be no stronger symbol of the connection between the twin towns than Brian Ború, celebrated equally on both sides of the river. The finished scheme will remove traffic from the towns and allow them to fulfil their potential for both the existing residents and the many tourists that will be attracted to the area. This is a proud day for all of the people of Clare and Tipperary, and the twin towns can look forward to a bright future together.”
Chief Executive Tipperary County Council Sinéad Carr said: “The opening of the bridge today is the final step in a long process to deliver the much needed bypass and the improvements to the roads leading to Ballina and Killaloe. We have been fortunate to have a great Contractor in Sisk, along with RPS Consulting Engineers, who designed and supervised the construction with assistance from Local Authority staff in the Project Delivery Office. The scheme could not have been delivered without the co-operation of the local communities in both towns and I want to thank them for their patience and understanding as they tolerated the disruption that came with the construction. I am sure that everyone can agree that any inconvenience was well worth it now that we have the finished product in place.”

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, together with Cork City Council and the European Commission, is proud to host the prestigious European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025 in Cork on 21-23 May. This annual EU event brings Europe's maritime community together to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
 
As an island nation with one of the largest sea areas in Europe, Ireland's economy, culture and society is inextricably linked to the sea. Cork, with its rich maritime heritage and status as home to Ireland's naval base, Hawlbowline; the National Maritime College; and the world-renowned Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, provides an ideal setting for this important European gathering.
 
The Taoiseach welcomed the gathering of European maritime leaders to Cork, saying:
 
“It's an honour to welcome our distinguished European guests to Ireland, and especially to my hometown of Cork. For over 200 years, Cork City has been shaped by its deep maritime heritage, dating back to 1814 when the Cork Harbour Commissioners held their first meeting.
 
“As an island nation, our relationship with the sea isn't just part of our geography – it’s woven into the very fabric of our identity, our economy, and our future. The waters surrounding us have sustained our people through generations, connected us to the wider world, and today offer unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. The Government is determined to ensure our maritime traditions adapt and grow while achieving our challenging climate targets, utilising our natural resources to secure an environmentally-friendly, clean-energy future for our citizens.”
 
Minister for the Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:
 
“Ireland’s rich maritime heritage, dynamic blue economy and strong commitment to sustainable ocean governance underpins our leadership in looking towards the ocean. Though a small island nation, we are a large ocean state with some of the richest and most diverse seas all around us. Ireland plays a pivotal role in shaping maritime policy and advancing marine innovation, research, and environmental stewardship.
 
“Hosting European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork provides a fantastic platform to showcase Ireland’s leadership across many sectors – offshore renewable energy, marine spatial planning, marine biodiversity protection, and coastal community development, while fostering collaboration among likeminded European Member States, the European Commission and other maritime stakeholders.
 
“Earlier this month, I was pleased to announce that work has commenced on our new National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for offshore renewable energy. With a maritime area seven times the size of our land area, this represents a crucial step in harnessing one of Ireland’s greatest natural resources and achieving our challenging climate targets. EMD 2025 allows us to spotlight innovative solutions such as the national DMAP, promote our coastal communities, and advance our shared European goals for a healthy, secure and climate-resilient maritime space.”
 
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Timmy Dooley TD, noted:
 
“EMD 2025 comes at an exciting time for Ireland’s marine sector. With our recent developments in marine governance, the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), and our ambitious offshore renewable energy targets, we are demonstrating our commitment to setting the highest standards for marine governance. This event provides a valuable platform to engage with European partners, share expertise, and collaborate on solutions to our shared maritime challenges.”
 
The three-day event will feature 24 workshop sessions under six key themes: Coastal Communities, Maritime Security and Surveillance, Blue Energy, Enablers, Maritime Cooperation, and Food Security. Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend, including EU Commissioner for Fisheries, Costas Kadis; MEPs; policy makers; maritime stakeholders; NGOs; and academics.
 
This prestigious gathering further underscores Ireland’s leadership in maritime affairs ahead of hosting on the EU Presidency in the second  half of 2026.
 
A free public event – European Maritime Days To Play – will take place on Friday and Saturday, 23 and 24 May, featuring boat tours, seafood demonstrations, science exhibitions, and family entertainment along Cork’s harbour.
 
For further information on European Maritime Day, visit the European Commission’s website here.
 

Iarnród Éireann has advertised to commence the formal market engagement to help deliver the transformative DART+ Programme, which will double the passenger capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area rail network.
 
The company has advertised pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) for two design and build single supplier frameworks to be used across the entire DART+ Programme, for:

• Electrification of the extended DART+ network
• Civil and structural works

 
In addition, three specific standalone PQQ notices for Design and Build works have been advertised, for:

• Rail systems for DART+ SouthWest, incorporating four-tracking between ParkWest and Heuston Station, and the remodelling of the Heuston Station track layout
• The new Spencer Dock Station in Dublin city centre
• Connolly Station works, including the development of a new station entrance at Preston Street

 
A further framework PQQ process for signalling works for the DART+ Programme is planned, as well as a PQQ for the DART+ Depot, which is being progressed under a separate Railway Order.
 
DART+ is a transformative programme of projects that will double the passenger capacity for rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), from 26,000 passenger journeys per direction per hour to 52,000. The DART network will increase from 50 kilometres to 150 kilometres, extending to Maynooth/M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch and Drogheda - transforming train travel across the Dublin commuter belt. It will provide a sustainable, electrified, reliable and more frequent rail service improving capacity in all rail corridors serving Dublin, bringing DART travel with all its benefits to new and existing communities. The provision of a new electrified fleet will improve capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 
With two Railway Orders received for DART+ West, and DART+ South West, enabling works are expected to commence in 2026 for DART+ infrastructure.  Contract awards are targeted for the end of 2026 for the work programmes advertised this week through the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), subject to funding and approval.
 
The DART+ Programme is being developed and promoted by Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and National Transport Authority (NTA) to meet the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP), the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
 
In addition to the infrastructure development, 185 carriages have been ordered for the DART+ Fleet, with up to 750 in total possible under a framework contract with French fleet manufacturer Alstom.  The first ten carriages, made up of two five-carriage trains, have been delivered, and have commenced the testing, commissioning and regulatory process, and are expected to begin entering service during 2026.
 
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said “with two Railway Order approvals from An Bord Pleanála, and a decision awaited on a third, we have reached another milestone in the transformative DART+ Programme as we advertise to the market to help deliver these major works.  Doubling the passenger capacity and trebling the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area network will allow so many more commuters choose rail, as the backbone of our sustainable transport network.”
 
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD welcomed this latest milestone in the DART+ Programme, saying “the DART+ Programme is central to our commitments under the Programme for Government to develop a strategic public transport network, specifically o provide the capacity and electrification to serve new and existing communities for generations to come.  With DART+ trains already in testing, and infrastructure enabling works beginning in 2026, we are firmly into the delivery phase of an investment that will make a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of commuters daily.”

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, has today announced the allocation of almost €8 million in Exchequer funding to Regional Airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.
 
This funding has been allocated to eligible regional airports at Ireland West (Knock), Kerry and Donegal airports as follows:

This funding will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at airports, while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus, assisting airports to meet their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change.
 
Minister O’Brien said: “I am pleased to announce the 2025 capital funding allocations under the Regional Airports Programme. Among the 33 projects being supported this year are Solar PV projects which will see the expanded production of electricity from renewable sources at Donegal Airport and the installation of a solar PV farm at Ireland West Airport. This builds on the support provided last year for solar PV farm projects at Shannon and Cork airports. Other significant investments include new safety and security upgrades at Kerry and Donegal airports as well as the continuation of the Aerodrome Fire Training Centre and Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade projects  at Ireland West Airport.
Minister O’Brien added: “This level of targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to our regional airports which facilitate connectivity. The targeted Exchequer funding provided by my Department to this sector has supported strong growth in passenger numbers, with overall passenger traffic across Irish regional airports last year 7% above 2023 levels. This positive trajectory has continued this year with 6% growth in passenger traffic across regional airports in Q1 this year.
“The Programme for Government commits to continuing to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new Programme is being progressed by my Department as a matter of priority this year.”

"I welcome the constructive engagement between unions and CIÉ management on this issue. It’s a strong example of proactive and inclusive dialogue that prioritises long-term outcomes for employees and pensioners alike. I’d like to thank all parties involved for their positive engagements."