IEA Executive Director meets with Ireland’s President and Taoiseach during Dublin visit

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland during a high-level visit to Dublin to discuss a range of topics including energy security, clean energy transitions and international cooperation.

In Dublin, Dr Birol also met with Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien and addressed a high-profile meeting of ambassadors and business leaders.

During his meeting with Taoiseach Martin, Dr Birol reaffirmed the IEA’s strong support for Ireland’s efforts to bolster electricity security and accelerate the shift to clean energy sources. The Taoiseach also underlined the importance of Ireland’s relationship with the IEA and looked forward to continued cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Dr Birol spoke with President Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin, where they exchanged views on key global energy issues, particularly the urgent development needs in Africa, and the links between energy security, food security and socio-economic development. Both shared a strong focus on addressing these issues as matters of high importance. 

He then met with Minister O’Brien for discussions on Ireland’s energy priorities including improvements to power networks, interconnection, energy efficiency progress and Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency in 2026. 

As part of the visit, Dr Birol delivered a keynote address at the Global Ireland Summit held at Dublin Castle. Speaking to around 500 delegates including Irish ambassadors from around the world and business leaders, Dr Birol focused on the need for Ireland to accelerate investment in grids, to make permitting more efficient, and to focus on energy security and costs. The visit also included meetings with the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC) to discuss people-centred transitions and clean energy employment as part of the IEA’s engagement with Ireland across the policy and business landscape.