An Bord Pleanála approved seven wind energy projects totalling 402MW in the first quarter of 2025, with no refusals, making it one of the strongest quarters in recent years for renewable project decisions.
However, the approvals still fell short of the 555MW quarterly target required to meet Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.
Four new wind projects totalling 203MW entered the planning system in Q1. By the end of March, 27 projects with a combined capacity of 1,399MW were awaiting a decision.
“This has been an excellent start to the year with a big jump in approvals from An Bord Pleanála. Every turbine we get through the planning system means more affordable and cleaner power for Irish families and businesses,” said Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland.
He added: “Although this is an impressive first quarter performance, it is still short of the volume of renewable energy we need to be getting through the planning system if we’re to deliver the Government’s Climate Action Plan and legally binding reductions in carbon emissions.”
Cunniffe highlighted that Irish wind farms have saved consumers almost €1.7 billion since 2020 – about €320 per person.
Wind Energy Ireland also called for urgent reforms to accelerate project delivery, criticising the missed 1 July 2024 deadline to transpose the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III), which is designed to shorten planning timelines and identify development zones for renewables.
“We must have a planning system that enables us to do this,” said Cunniffe. “That means taking the tools the EU has given us and providing An Bord Pleanála and other key stakeholders the resources they need to implement the RED III directive. Until this happens, consumers will remain vulnerable to high gas prices.”