Wind farms across Ireland are set to deliver €74.87 million in commercial rates to local authorities in 2026, new research by Halpin's for Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) reveals. The findings were released to coincide with Global Wind Day on 15 June.

Annual payments have climbed from €69.27 million in March 2025 to €74.87 million in March 2026, an increase of almost €5.6 million in 12 months. That equates to an 8 per cent rise since 2025.

The uplift reflects continued investment in renewable energy projects as new wind farms come on stream, alongside rating changes in certain counties. In total, wind now accounts for 3.73 per cent of commercial rates income nationwide, the analysis shows.

Commercial rates are a key funding stream for local services including roads, public lighting, fire services, libraries, planning, parks and community infrastructure, meaning the sector's growth is increasingly important for council finances, particularly in rural areas.

Offaly is the standout beneficiary, with wind energy now providing almost one-third of its commercial rates income. In all, nine counties receive more than 10 per cent of their commercial rates from wind farms, underscoring the technology's contribution to local authority budgets.

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In Offaly, wind-related rates income rose by 31.5 per cent year-on-year and is up 51.8 per cent since 2022, representing an additional €8.8 million in annual revenue for the county, according to the analysis.

Other major recipients include Kerry, Mayo, Tipperary, Donegal, Roscommon and Leitrim, with Cavan, Galway and Clare also benefitting strongly as more projects connect to the grid.

David Halpin, whose company Halpin's compiled the data for Wind Energy Ireland, said: "The contribution of the wind sector to local councils cannot be understated. Outside of major urban areas, wind projects are often among the largest single contributors to their county."

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: "Every wind turbine generating electricity reduces our reliance on imported fossil fuels and brings long-term economic benefits to local communities. Irish-made energy insulates businesses from global economic shocks, supports jobs and strengthens our energy security."

He added: "This year wind farms will contribute almost €75 million in commercial rates to local authorities across Ireland showing that county council budgets are being backed by wind. Nine counties now receive more than 10 per cent of their commercial rates income from wind farms which shows the substantial economic contribution renewable energy is making to communities right across the country."

Beyond rates, wind farms also channel direct support to local areas through community benefit funds, backing projects, sports clubs, facilities and social initiatives.

Noel Cunniffe continued: "This money helps to fund essential local services while ensuring communities directly benefit from renewable energy infrastructure. Alongside community benefit funds and local investment, they are another example of how renewable energy is delivering real and tangible benefits for people across Ireland."

He said: "This €75 million investment is also a massive support for small and medium businesses, especially in rural Ireland, who would face demands for higher rates contributions if Irish wind farms were not providing this funding."

Figures are based on annual rates payable and local authority budget data compiled by Halpin's on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland.