Wind Energy Ireland has argued that ‘anti-wind’ development plans are hindering the country’s progress toward its climate goals.

CEO Noel Cunniffe emphasized that planning is the most significant obstacle to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. He pointed out that the Planning Bill could help improve the situation, highlighting that only one wind farm was approved between July and September this year.

“This means only 13% of the capacity needed for that period was approved, which is far from what we need to achieve our 2030 targets,” Cunniffe said.

He explained that the combination of insufficient resources at An Bord Pleanála for renewable energy projects and county development plans that oppose wind energy would result in Ireland remaining dependent on imported fossil fuels for a longer period.

Cunniffe called for the Planning and Development Bill to be supported with additional resources.

“The Planning and Development Bill has the potential to accelerate the delivery of more wind energy projects,” he said. “It establishes mandatory decision timelines for both An Bord Pleanála and planning authorities. However, new legislation alone won’t be effective without more resources in the planning sector and amendments to county development plans to support renewable energy.”

In the third quarter of this year, two applications were denied, and 31 additional projects are still awaiting decisions.