Although, the demonstration programme for GE Energy 3.6 MW turbines at the

Arklow Bank off the east coast of Ireland was pioneering in 2004, in contrast to

developments elsewhere in Europe, the growth of the offshore wind energy sector

in Ireland has been slow. Results from this study indicate that Ireland’s

tremendous offshore wind energy resource has only been partially realised due to

the lack of a coherent institutional framework for the offshore wind energy sector.

A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was employed for the

purpose of this research including, a critical review of law and policy, the case

study approach, the production of inventories and the use of semi-structured

interviews with relevant stakeholders. Data captured by this range of

methodologies, establishes the historical context and the current status of

offshore wind energy development in Ireland. It also identifies and critically

reviews the factors influencing current offshore wind energy developments and

proposes a series of legal and policy recommendations for future projects in

Ireland. Results from this study indicate that the east coast has evolved into a

competitive focal point for offshore wind farm development and subsequently, that

there is a complete lack of strategic planning for offshore wind energy

development in Ireland. The Irish offshore wind energy sector is thus faced with

many uncertainties. Urgent amendments to policy documents, legislation and

regulatory authorities are imperative to ensure transparency and consistency in

the management, regulation and development of future offshore wind farms in

Ireland