Friday 15 August 2025
In the second quarter of 2025 An Coimisiún Pleanála approved a mere two new wind farms – about 13% of the volume of wind energy needed during this period to keep Ireland on track with its Climate Action Plan targets.
That is according to the latest quarterly report published by Wind Energy Ireland on the number of wind energy projects getting through the planning system.
The two new wind farms approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála last quarter have a combined capacity of 79MW. Wind Energy Ireland estimates that, to achieve the 9,000MW of onshore wind energy required by 2030 in the Climate Action Plan, An Coimisiún Pleanála would have needed to approve 595MW during this period.
The board also rejected planning applications from two wind farms with an estimated combined capacity of 76MW, while 31 projects totalling 1,643MW are awaiting decision at the end of Q2.
Justin Moran, director of external affairs with Wind Energy Ireland, said: “After two very successful quarters it is disappointing to see us losing momentum. In the first three months of the year the commission had one of its best performances with seven projects through, building on a successful conclusion to 2024. It is frustrating to see the numbers fall back.
“Although planning decisions slowed in quarter two, the extra resources provided to Ireland’s planning authorities are making a difference. Decision timelines are falling.
“To meet the deadlines set out in the EU’s RED III Directive, the commission will need additional resources to deliver on its responsibility to speed up permitting for renewable energy projects and fully implement the directive.
“It's vital that we build on the strong start in quarter one and build back up the momentum throughout 2025.”
Regional targets
The updated National Planning Framework sets regional renewable energy targets requiring local planning authorities, led by dedicated teams, to update County Development Plans to facilitate more onshore wind energy,
Ahead of Budget 2026, Wind Energy Ireland is calling for more staff for our local planning authorities to help meet these goals.
Moran said: “We need to build more wind farms and strengthen the electricity grid. To do that, we must have a planning system that can deliver the infrastructure we need.
“That means giving local councils and regional assemblies the staff and resources they need to set regional renewable energy targets as required by the updated National Planning Framework.
“Investing in our planning system is an investment in our future. It will help to accelerate the delivery of cleaner, more affordable electricity, benefiting communities today and future generations.
“At a time when our economy is under threat from tariffs, energy costs and global uncertainty, we have a solution here in Ireland. Every wind farm through the planning system and connected to the electricity grid protects Irish electricity consumers and strengthens Irish energy security.”