Ireland approved 79MW of new onshore wind capacity in the second quarter of 2025, well below the level needed to meet national climate goals, according to data published by Wind Energy Ireland on Wednesday.
The approvals, granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála, cover two wind farm projects but represent just 13% of the volume required for the quarter to stay aligned with the country’s Climate Action Plan targets for 2030. Wind Energy Ireland estimates that approximately 595MW of new capacity would have been needed during the period to remain on track.
In the same quarter, the planning authority refused consent for two additional wind farms totalling 76MW, while 31 other projects with a combined capacity of 1,643MW remained awaiting decisions at the end of June.
“After two very successful quarters it is disappointing to see us losing momentum,” said Justin Moran, director of external affairs at Wind Energy Ireland. “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 noted that while progress slowed in Q2, recent investment in planning resources was having a positive effect on decision-making times. “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.
However, he added that further staffing increases at An Coimisiún Pleanála will be necessary to meet EU permitting reform deadlines under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED 3).
Wind Energy Ireland is also calling for more personnel in local planning authorities and regional bodies to support the renewable energy targets set out in the updated National Planning Framework.
“We need to build more wind farms and strengthen the electricity grid,” Moran said. “To do that, we must have a planning system that can deliver the infrastructure we need.”
He added: “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.”
Moran concluded that increasing wind development is not only vital for climate goals but also for economic resilience. “Every wind farm through the planning system and connected to the electricity grid protects Irish electricity consumers and strengthens Irish energy security,” he said.
