No new wind farms were approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest quarterly planning report from Wind Energy Ireland. This represents a significant decline compared to the same period in 2025, when seven projects totalling 402 MW received the green light.

The report, published today, 7 May 2026, reveals a widening gap between the volume of projects entering the system and the speed of decision-making. There are currently nearly 2,500 MW of wind energy capacity in the planning system, with several projects facing substantial delays:

• Nine projects (592 MW) have been waiting more than a year for a decision.

• Six projects (406 MW) have been in the planning system for more than two years.

• A total of 40 wind energy projects are currently awaiting a final determination.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, commented: "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. Today's report shows that no new wind farms were approved in the first quarter of 2026 and nearly 1,000 MW of projects have been waiting over a year for a decision which is extremely frustrating. While An Coimisiún Pleanála is working towards clearer statutory timelines, in practice many projects are still waiting longer than expected. Closing the gap between the statutory timelines and actual decisions is essential to cut bills for Irish consumers."

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2025 Retrospective

The Q1 2026 figures follow a mixed performance in 2025. Last year saw 15 new wind energy projects approved, totalling 626 MW. While the volume of decisions was relatively low, the approval rate reached 88%, a marked increase from the 45% recorded in 2024.

However, Mr Cunniffe noted that despite the higher grant rate, fewer decisions were actually published in 2025 than in the preceding two years, leading to the current backlog.

Positive Movement in Q2

Despite the stagnant first quarter, the second quarter of 2026 has shown signs of recovery. An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted permission for three new wind farms since the beginning of April.

"It is encouraging to see three new wind farms approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála since the beginning of April," Mr Cunniffe added. "This trend needs to continue to build positive momentum, to get a steady stream of projects coming out of the system and to tackle the growing backlog. Accelerating projects to construction will better protect Irish consumers from high energy prices and create jobs around Ireland."