Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), conducted a high-level visit to Dublin where he met with top Irish officials, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Michael D. Higgins. The discussions focused on a broad range of topics including energy security, clean energy transitions, and international cooperation.
During a meeting at Áras an Uachtaráin, Dr Birol and President Higgins exchanged views on pressing global energy issues. Their conversation centred on the urgent development needs in Africa and the interconnection between energy security, food security, and socio-economic development. Both leaders shared a “strong focus on addressing these issues as matters of high importance.”
Later, Dr Birol met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to reaffirm the IEA’s support for Ireland’s energy transition efforts. “Dr Birol reaffirmed the IEA’s strong support for Ireland’s efforts to bolster electricity security and accelerate the shift to clean energy sources,” an IEA statement said. The Taoiseach also “underlined the importance of Ireland’s relationship with the IEA and looked forward to continued cooperation.”
In another key engagement, Dr Birol held discussions with Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy. Talks covered national energy priorities, including enhancements to power networks, greater interconnection, energy efficiency progress, and Ireland’s preparations for its upcoming presidency of the EU Council in 2026.
Dr Birol also addressed the Global Ireland Summit at Dublin Castle, where he delivered a keynote speech to an audience of around 500, including Irish ambassadors from across the world and business leaders. His remarks emphasized the urgency of scaling up grid investment, streamlining permitting processes, and focusing on energy security and affordability.
As part of the visit, Dr Birol also met with representatives from the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC) to discuss strategies for people-centred energy transitions and boosting clean energy employment — reinforcing the IEA’s commitment to engaging with Ireland across both policy and business domains.
