12 new wind farm proposals have been rejected by An Bord Pleanála.

The planning authority did give the green light to 10 wind farms, while 30 projects were awaiting a decision at the end of 2024.

Wind Energy Ireland Chief Executive Noel Cunniffe said more wind farms are needed if Ireland is to meet its target of halving emissions by 2030. 

“Irish people want clean energy, they want affordable energy, they want secure energy,” he said 

“To be able to deliver that, we need more wind energy delivered and we’re simply not getting enough projects through our system to reach our 2030 targets on time.” 

Two wind turbines against the backdrop of a rising sun. Image: Ian Dyball / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Cunliffe added that more wind energy would also benefit the economy as it would mean “money back in our pockets at homes and in businesses”. 

Last year, 32% of energy in Ireland was generated by wind. 

In the newly published Programme for Government, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael set a target of delivering at least 5GW of wind power by the end of the decade. 

It pledged to do this by “fast-tracking” applications for wind farms.

An Bord Pleanála has been contacted for comment.

Main image: An offshore windfarm. Picture by: Islandstock / Alamy Stock Photo