The South East must urgently move from “good policy to real delivery” on clean energy if it is to meet climate targets and secure major employment opportunities. That’s according to Paddy Phelan, CEO of the Southeast Energy Agency, speaking after a major regional energy event held in Waterford.

The agency, a not-for-profit set up almost 26 years ago, helps citizens, businesses, and local authorities improve energy efficiency, increase renewable use, and plan for the energy transition. It also works to remove barriers for companies looking to enter the energy sector.

Last week’s Waterford event, co-hosted with the Southern Regional Assembly, brought together regional, national, and European stakeholders, including the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, and SETU. Two EU-backed projects – Unify and Express – are supporting spatial and economic planning to ensure counties in the South East can integrate energy needs into development plans.

Phelan said Ireland has strong strategies but now needs “motorway-level” investment in its ageing energy system to keep pace with Europe. He identified three key priorities: turning policy into tangible projects, equipping local authorities with practical planning tools, and deepening collaboration between agencies, policymakers, and communities.

Offshore wind alone could generate 800–1,200 high-value jobs in operations and maintenance over several decades, with far greater employment potential if clean electricity is used to attract major industries such as pharma, steel, smart tech, and data centres.

More information and case studies are available at southeastenergy.ie.