An Coimisiun Pleanala approved two wind farms totalling 79MW in the second quarter of 2025, according to Wind Energy Ireland.
The industry body said the projects represent only 13% of the volume needed during the quarter to stay on track with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets for 2030.
Wind Energy Ireland estimates the planning authority would have needed to approve 595MW of new onshore wind to meet quarterly requirements.
The board also refused applications for two wind farms with a combined capacity of 76MW.
A total of 31 projects totalling 1643MW were still awaiting a decision at the end of Q2.
Wind Energy Ireland director of external affairs Justin Moran 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.”
Moran added: “Although planning decisions slowed in quarter two, the extra resources provided to Ireland’s planning authorities are making a difference. Decision timelines are falling.”
He said An Coimisiun Pleanala will need more staff to meet RED 3 deadlines and fully implement the EU directive’s permitting reforms.
Moran said: “It’s vital that we build on the strong start in quarter one and build back up the momentum throughout 2025.”
Wind Energy Ireland is calling for more staff for local planning authorities to help deliver regional renewable energy targets set out in the updated National Planning Framework.
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.”
He concluded: “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.”