No new wind farms were approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in the first quarter of 2026, according to Wind Energy Ireland.
The industry body said this compares with seven projects totalling 402MW approved during the same period in 2025 despite nearly 2.5GW currently in the planning system.
Wind Energy Ireland added that nine projects with an estimated capacity of 592MW have been waiting more than a year for a decision, while six projects totalling 406MW have remained in the system for more than two years.
The organisation said 15 new wind energy projects totalling 626MW were approved during 2025, with an approval rate of 88% compared with 45% in 2024.
“At a time when Ireland is again exposed to the volatility of global fossil fuel markets, Irish wind farms reduce our reliance on imports and strengthen our supply of clean, local, electricity,” said Noel Cunniffe, chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland.
“Today’s report shows that no new wind farms were approved in the first quarter of 2026 and nearly 1,000 MW of projects have been waiting over a year for a decision which is extremely frustrating.”
“Closing the gap between the statutory timelines and actual decisions is essential to cut bills for Irish consumers.”
Wind Energy Ireland said there are currently 40 wind energy projects in the planning system.
The organisation added that An Coimisiún Pleanála granted permission for three new wind farms in April at the start of the second quarter of 2026.