Ireland’s national planning authority, An Bord Pleanála, approved seven wind energy projects with a combined capacity of 402 megawatts (MW) in the first quarter of 2025, marking one of the strongest periods for renewable energy planning decisions in recent years.
While the approvals represent a significant increase compared to previous quarters, the total fell short of the 555MW quarterly target required to meet the country’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2030.
“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 industry group Wind Energy Ireland.
However, Cunniffe also cautioned that progress must accelerate. “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,” he said.
Four new wind energy applications totalling 203MW were submitted to the planning system in the first quarter. By the end of March, 27 projects with a combined capacity of 1,399MW remained awaiting a decision.
Wind Energy Ireland reiterated calls for reform of the planning system to speed up project delivery. The group criticised the government’s delay in transposing the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III), which is designed to streamline permitting procedures and identify priority zones for renewable development.
“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.”
According to Wind Energy Ireland, wind power has saved Irish consumers almost €1.7 billion since 2020 — equivalent to roughly €320 per person — by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
