Copper Ireland
We spent January 2025 on tenterhooks as discussions took place to cement the incoming government and confirm a new-look cabinet led by Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. With Ireland’s infrastructure deficit requiring attention, Darragh O’Brien (formerly Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) was appointed Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, with an accompanying portfolio as Minister for Transport, entrusting him with the oversight of essential infrastructure projects in transportation and renewable energy.
Infrastructure and renewable developments will play a significant part of a busy year(s) ahead. Copper is already working across several bids, in partnership with fellow RSK businesses, for renewable energy projects across the whole of Ireland. Outside of this, we are strengthening our relationships across various sectors including renewables, rail and road, water and other growing sectors where we can bring strong experience to bear.
In the renewable energy sector, the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 2.1) is scheduled for early 2025. This auction aims to procure 900 megawatts of clean energy from offshore wind farms located off Ireland’s south coast, contributing significantly to the nation’s climate and renewable electricity targets. In parallel, to support these projects, it will also be necessary to scale up port infrastructure to support offshore renewable energy (ORE) with both Rosslare Europort, the Port of Cork and Shannon Foynes Port Company setting out ambitious masterplans to become ORE Hubs to harness Ireland’s significant offshore wind potential.
Progress is also evident in major infrastructural projects with two super-projects in The Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) scheme and the Water Supply Project (WSP) advancing at pace through Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) to bring greater water resilience and support social and economic expansion of the Greater Dublin Area. With the UK water sector facing challenges of its own, there is much information, knowledge and experience to be shared to ensure that water projects avoid mitigate project risks and manage the risk of unintended outcomes of delivery.
Copper Scotland
Launch party
Last year Copper announced its expansion into Scotland with a new senior hire, Laura Sutherland, and its first office base in Glasgow.
Last week we held our official launch event at Radisson RED’s Red Sky Bar, ahead of the Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Wind Conference.
Over 70 guests RSVP’d to attend, and, on the night, Laura Sutherland welcomed everyone with an introduction to Copper and Managing Partner Ben Heatley followed with a few words on our expansion.
Our Burns’ twist was a delicious array of haggis-themed canapes along with a selection of drinks, accompanied by views over Glasgow’s River Clyde and iconic skyline.
Compliments and thank you notes came flooding in and we’re excited to say that this is the start of a series of Scottish Copper social events that will place Copper at the heart of conversations, collaboration and opportunities for growth.
Areas for growth
Year one is mostly about building solid foundations for our people, positioning us in front of the right sectors and realising the enormous opportunity ahead.
Our focus for growth in Scotland aligns where government is investing, and includes water, renewable energy, transmission and transport. We have live projects in renewables and transmission in Scotland but hope to widen the scope to include transport and win more briefs for important landmark projects.
We already have bids out for renewables projects, some in collaboration with other RSK businesses and we have our eyes on a number of frameworks, plus of course the huge opportunity for offshore wind in Scotland.
Being present across the country
Laura is out and about across Scotland right now conducting site visits, attending consultation events plus meeting contacts and referrers to tell them about Copper and our services, and find out their challenges. Our supporting engagement plan for events, marketing and brand positioning is filling up for the year and will allow us to continue the drumbeat of Copper in Scotland.
The strategic advisor
Key advisory areas for clients at the moment are around the May 2026 Scottish election, ensuring clients know to engage parties early on to help influence policy and manifestos; continuing to tell the story of projects, despite delays in consenting; ensuring social value is at the core of engagement strategies; and, looking at brand positioning alongside engagement strategies, to ensure positive reputation management.
Copper Wales
Heathrow’s third runway
This week has been a big one for Heathrow Airport as the Chancellor announced the government’s support for a third runway. During a major speech on economic growth, Rachel Reeves said the runway is “badly needed” and could create 100,000 jobs.
Our Welsh Lead, Lisa Childs, was on S4C’s Newyddion (early evening news programme) to provide commentary on the news.
Lisa spoke specifically about her time (prior to joining Copper) working at the airport on the runway programme, the potential benefits for economic growth outside London and potential benefits for Wales. She also touched on the economics of aviation, hub airports and Heathrow’s unique role for British exports as the UK’s biggest port by value of exports.
Wales Week London
We are thrilled to be partnering with Wales Week London and Net Zero Industry Wales for their Empower Cymru conference in the coming weeks.
To mark Wales Week London – a Welsh takeover of the capital that celebrates the cultural and industry ties between London and Wales – we will be hosting an event with Ashfords LLP. ‘Opportunity Awaits’ will delve into the dynamic world of renewable energy in Wales.
This event provides an opportunity to engage with the industry leaders, developers and innovators who are shaping the future of sustainable energy in Wales in a relaxed environment. We will explore the current challenges facing the renewable energy sector in Wales; discover the vast opportunities that lie ahead; and, will outline the impact of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act.
Party conference season
In spring, Copper will also be at the Welsh party conferences as we mark one year until the Senedd elections of May 2026. With a new electoral system, an expanded Senedd and shifting political tides in Wales, it’s reasonable to expect a political shift in Wales next year and we will have our finger on the pulse of what this will mean for infrastructure and renewable energy projects in Wales.