Ireland-Wales Forum: Renewables Roundtable Explores Regional Collaboration

Following the inaugural Ireland-Wales Forum, held in Cardiff in October 2021, the second annual Ireland-Wales Forum was successfully held in Ireland this October.

The Ireland-Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-2025 sets out a commitment to convene a highlevel annual forum, to engage political, economic and broader stakeholders to build relationships, reflect on ongoing collaboration and consider opportunities for further cooperation.

The focus of the 2022 Forum was on energy policy, particularly renewable energy, given the strong mutual interest in the sector. Due to Cork’s renewable energy cluster and Cork Harbour’s continued transformation into an offshore renewables hub, the region was identified as the ideal location to hold day two this year’s forum. The forum was led by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Simon Coveney TD and the First Minister of Wales, the Rt Hon Mark Drakeford.

Cork Chamber was excited to facilitate a renewables roundtable discussion with Minister Simon Coveney, First Minister Drakeford and Minister Lesley Griffiths along with several of our members in the renewable energy sector and stakeholders from region.

As part of the roundtable in the MaREI Centre in Ringaskiddy our members had the opportunity to discuss how the current offshore renewables landscape and how the two regions could increase collaboration and knowledge sharing to seize the opportunities the sector presents. Other topics discussed included access to talent, research, planning and the importance of exploring all potential technologies.

We look forward to building on these new relationships and working on next steps with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Welsh Government Office in Ireland and our members.