Ireland’s wind lobby group, Wind Energy Ireland, has criticised the State for a slowdown in the pace at which new wind farms are approved.

In its latest report, Wind Energy Ireland said no new wind farms were approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in the first quarter of 2026, down from seven projects (402 MW) approved during the same period last year.

The slowdown comes despite a strong pipeline of projects, with nearly 2,500 MW currently in the planning system.

The report also shows that nine projects, with an estimated capacity of 592 MW, have been waiting more than a year for a decision, with an additional six projects (406 MW) in the planning system for more than two years.

Fossil fuel market volatility

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “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.”

He continued: “While An Coimisiún Pleanála is working towards clearer statutory timelines, in practice, many projects are still waiting longer than expected.”

2025 annual figures

Wind Energy Ireland’s Q1 2026 planning report follows a mixed year for planning decisions in 2025.

The industry body’s analysis found that 15 new wind energy projects totalling 626 MW were approved last year.

While the total number of decisions was relatively low, it was one of the strongest years so far for the proportion of projects approved by the Coimisiún, with an 88% approval rate compared to 45% in 2024.

Noel Cunniffe said: “While the grant rate of wind energy projects in 2025 was higher than in previous years, fewer planning decisions were published than in 2024 and 2023 – all while the backlog of applications keeps growing.”

There are currently 40 wind energy projects in the planning system.