O’Brien welcomes progress on offshore renewable energy

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has today welcomed the enactment of legislation that will regulate the newer types of vessels used in the offshore renewable energy sector.

He says the movie will help Ireland achieve its climate targets.

The Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Act 2025 also provides for the establishment of a Marine Accident Investigation Unit within the Department of Transport.

It will replace the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) as the permanent body responsible for marine accident investigation.

Minister O’Brien said: “Ireland is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To reach that target, the country must significantly increase the proportion of its energy needs that are fulfilled by renewable sources, including Offshore Renewable Energy sources such as wind. Offshore Service Vessels will be a vital part of the offshore services sector. This Act gives us the power to make regulations to cater for the newer types of vessels being used in the offshore service sector and the carriage of industrial personnel on those vessels.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, added: “The enactment of this legislation is a commitment in the Programme for Government and shows our focus on enhancing Ireland’s maritime safety regime, particularly in terms of marine accident investigation. We can now move ahead with the establishment of the Marine Accident Investigation Unit which will investigate marine accidents to help prevent similar accidents occurring in future. I would like to thank the MCIB, its Board, its investigators and its staff members for their ongoing work. The new Unit will build on the important contribution they have made.”