Despite the growing demand for renewable energy in Ireland, An Bord Pleanála has only granted planning permission for a fraction of the wind energy projects needed to meet Government climate targets. Wind Energy Ireland reported that only four windfarms, totaling 228MW, received approval in the first half of the year. This falls significantly short of the 860MW required to stay on track for the 2030 target of 9,000MW.
As the industry faces delays and challenges, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe, emphasized the importance of a more efficient planning system. Although there have been improvements in decision-making speed at An Bord Pleanála, there is still a need for further reforms.
Cunniffe highlighted the urgency of prioritizing renewable energy projects, including onshore wind farms, offshore developments, solar farms, and battery projects. He criticized local authorities for hindering progress by altering land zoning to impede wind farm construction.
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