Wind farms across Ireland will contribute almost €75 million in commercial rates to local authorities in 2026, according to new analysis compiled by Halpin’s on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland (WEI).
The latest figures show annual rates payments from wind farms will increase from €69.27 million in 2025 to €74.87 million in 2026, a rise of almost €5.6 million or 8% in 12 months.
Commercial rates are a local property tax charged by county and city councils on commercial and industrial properties. The revenue helps fund services including roads, public lighting, fire services, libraries, planning, parks and community infrastructure.
The increase reflects continued investment in renewable energy projects, primarily driven by new wind farms coming on stream and changes to the rates system in some counties.
Beneficiaries
The largest beneficiaries are Kerry (€11.04 million), Offaly (€7.94 million), Mayo (€7.49 million), Tipperary (€6.3 million) and Donegal (€5.56 million). In nine counties, wind farms now contribute more than 10% of all commercial rates income.
Offaly benefits most, with wind farms accounting for almost 31% of its total commercial rates income.
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