The Bord Pleanála in Ireland approved seven wind energy projects in the first quarter of 2025, with a combined capacity of 402 MW, and did not reject any applications. This made it one of the board’s strongest quarters in recent years for renewable energy projects. 4p1x56

Despite this record, the 402 MW of approved wind energy still fell significantly short of the board’s quarterly target of 555 MW needed to meet the goals of the Climate Action Plan.

Four new projects, totaling 203 MW, entered the planning system during the same period. By the end of the first quarter, there were 27 projects awaiting decision, with a combined capacity of 1,399 MW.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, stated:
“This has been an excellent start to the year with a significant increase in approvals from An Bord Pleanála. Every turbine approved in the planning system translates into more affordable, cleaner energy for Irish families and businesses.”

“At a time when our economy is under pressure from tariffs, energy costs, and global uncertainty, Irish wind farms are an immediate solution. Since 2020, they have cut consumer bills by nearly €1.7 billion — that’s around €320 per person, which is very welcome news.”

“While this is an impressive performance for the first quarter, it still falls short of the volume of renewable energy that needs to be delivered through the planning system if we are to meet the Government’s Climate Action Plan and the legally binding targets for carbon emission reductions.”

Reform and Resources
Wind Energy Ireland also highlighted the need for improvements to the planning system in order to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure.

Ireland missed the July 1, 2024 deadline to transpose the provisions of the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III), which is intended to speed up renewable energy planning by shortening decision timelines and identifying more areas suitable for development.