LIMERICK Chamber will host discussions on the Mid West’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse in the coming weeks, drawing senior government officials and international experts into one room for frank talks on cost, competitiveness, and security of supply for clean energy into the future.
Monday, October 13 will see Limerick Chamber host Energy on the Estuary 2025, a summit exploring the Mid West’s role in Ireland’s clean energy transition.
Taking place on the top floor of the Verizon building, 1BQ, with its stunning views of the Shannon, Limerick Chamber says the energy event will “reaffirm the groundwork for regional action and innovation in renewable energy, while also addressing the realities of cost, competitiveness, and security of supply”.
The summit will bring together government ministers, MEPs, TDs, senior civil servants, offshore wind developers, infrastructure owners, regional stakeholders, and EU energy representatives to discuss Limerick and the Mid West’s role in the clean energy transition.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, will deliver opening remarks at the event, with the keynote to be delivered by Shannon Foynes Port Company CEO Pat Keating on why port capacity and connectivity are critical to Ireland’s offshore ambitions.
Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce chair Barry O’Sullivan will moderate a panel discussion, titled ‘Floating Ambitions: Is Ireland ready for large-scale offshore?’, with senior officials from the Departments of Environment, Enterprise, and Transport, alongside IDA, Ocean Winds, Eastgate Engineering, H&MV, and IFAC representatives. There will also be a Q&A with the audience.
A second panel discussion will feature experts on renewable energy from France, Scotland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany, along with contributions from the National Economic and Social Council.
Chamber CEO Michelle Gallagher said the event comes at a “pivotal time”, with the Mid West “uniquely positioned to power Ireland’s energy transition”.
“Unlocking that potential will require collaboration, investment and urgency. This summit will bring the right people to the table to ensure the region remains firmly on the radar of key decision-makers who can turn ambition into action.”
The Chamber CEO also welcomed the recent publication of the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for offshore renewable energy, describing it as “a vital step in Ireland’s journey towards energy security, decarbonisation, and economic growth”.
The Chamber acknowledged the importance of a national approach for renewable energy, but stressed that the DMAP “must place particular focus on prioritising areas with existing infrastructure such as ports, transport infrastructure, and grid connections to accelerate delivery and reduce costs”.
Energy on the Estuary 2025 takes place from 10.30am in the Verizon building, 1BQ, on Bishop’s Quay in Limerick City on October 13. Free registrations for tickets can be made on limerickchamber.ie/events.
