The Shannon estuary has the potential to be the premier location in Ireland for offshore renewable energy as well as a transport hub for Ireland, the government has said as it published the Interim Report of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce.

The taskforce’s report sets out how the region can play a leading role in the switch to renewable energy and more climate friendly ways of living and doing business. The estuary would also become a hub for sustainable transport technologies and a western 'digital gateway to Europe.

New auction for floating wind generation in 2024

It proposes significant investment in the ports at Foynes and Moneypoint, a new auction for floating wind generation in 2024, and identifying industrial sites for clean energy industries like hydrogen.

The report sets out the taskforce’s ambition to begin supplying Atlantic offshore wind energy through the estuary by 2030, with the intention to significantly accelerating it up to 2050.

There is also big potential in onshore energy generation by installing solar panels, and new anaerobic digestion facilities.

The estuary region has the potential to double tourist numbers by becoming a destination for outdoor sports and adventure, business and leisure events, and cruise ship arrivals.

The taskforce was set up last April on foot of a Programme for Government commitment to develop an economic action plan for the area. This interim report is an important milestone, outlining a vision for the estuary area and how to achieve it.

It follows extensive consultation with regional, national, and international stakeholders across industry, government, local authorities, elected officials, and members of the public.

'Significant natural assets'

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and Transport, Eamon Ryan, said: “The Shannon estuary is an area with significant natural assets, and this report shows not only the benefits of harnessing these in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, but the urgency of doing so.

“Ireland and Europe are at a crossroads in terms of our response to the climate crisis. The Shannon estuary has a proud history of leading innovation in energy; the Ardnacrusha hydro-electric power station was a truly ambitious project almost 100 years ago. We now look to the estuary for our next major energy transformation, and today’s report begins to map out the estuary’s response.

“I was very pleased to meet the Taskforce recently, and I look forward to engaging with them again in the future as they develop their action plan.” 

The taskforce chairman, Barry O'Sullivan said: “The interim report marks a significant milestone in the work of the taskforce. It outlines a clear vision for the Shannon estuary region and signals the national and European issues that we believe the region can help solve.

“I would like to sincerely thank the members of the taskforce for their dedication and commitment to this work to date.

“On behalf of the taskforce, I would like to express our gratitude to all of the stakeholders whose valuable contributions have helped shape our work. I very much look forward to engaging further with all involved as we finalise our recommendations.”

Link to the interim report – Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce Interim Report November 2022