Senator Lisa Chambers Welcomes Fianna Fáil’s Wind Energy Commitments in Election Manifesto

Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Mayo, has welcomed the party’s ambitious commitments on wind energy outlined in the Fianna Fáil election manifesto. The plan aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and position Ireland as a leader in wind energy production, with a focus on both onshore and offshore wind.

 

Senator Chambers highlighted the importance of these commitments for Mayo and the wider West of Ireland. "Wind energy has the potential to transform our region and help drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to Ireland’s climate goals. Fianna Fáil’s plan to expedite the delivery of wind energy is a game changer for Mayo, particularly with the promise to complete a floating offshore wind test site off the west coast by 2026. This is exactly the kind of investment our region needs to become a renewable energy hub,” she said.

 

The manifesto outlines several key initiatives that will boost Ireland's renewable energy capacity:

- Expediting the development of both onshore and offshore wind farms to increase energy generation and meet targets.

- A floating offshore wind test site off the west coast by 2026 to test and scale up this new technology.

- Delivery of 9GW of onshore wind, 8GW of solar, and at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030, significantly increasing Ireland’s renewable energy output.

- Repowering 76 wind farms that are reaching the end of their life in 2030, ensuring Ireland’s continued leadership in wind energy production.

- Publication of the Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines to provide clarity for developers and communities.

- Completion of vital energy connectivity projects, including the Celtic Interconnector to connect Ireland to Europe’s electricity grid.

- Upgrading the national grid to make it more resilient, reliable, and capable of transmitting offshore energy, while reducing energy costs for consumers.

- Supporting hybrid connections to share grid access between multiple renewable energy sources.

- Funding solar panels for every school to promote clean energy and lower energy costs for schools.

- Exploring alternative energy storage models, including grid-to-vehicle/vehicle-to-grid systems.

- Holding two Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions annually to drive further investment and competition in renewable energy projects.

 

Senator Chambers also welcomed the party’s commitment to accelerate and complete the Designated Marine Area Plan (DMAP) for the entire west coast, which is vital for the development of floating offshore wind projects. “This will provide the necessary framework for floating wind farms off our coast, creating huge opportunities for job creation, energy generation, and environmental sustainability. Fianna Fáil’s commitment to completing the DMAP and accelerating floating offshore wind is a huge boost for Mayo and the entire west coast,” Senator Chambers said.

 

“This is a transformative plan that will help us meet our climate targets, reduce energy costs, and create new jobs in the renewable energy sector. As a member of the next government, I will work tirelessly to ensure that these commitments are delivered and that Mayo plays a leading role in Ireland’s green energy future,” she concluded.