Wind Energy Generation

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Ceisteanna (487, 488, 489, 490)

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

487. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the number of wind energy projects currently within the planning system in the State; the total generating capacity in MW associated with these projects; to provide a breakdown by county, stage in the planning process including pre-application, application lodged, under assessment, and on appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the expected year of determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49342/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

488. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the number of wind energy projects that have received planning permission but have not yet commenced construction; the total generating capacity in MW represented by these projects; the length of time elapsed since permission was granted in each case; to provide a breakdown by county, project size, and stated reasons for delay where available, including grid connection, financing, or regulatory factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49344/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

489. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the number of solar energy projects currently within the planning system in the State; the total generating capacity in MW associated with these projects; to provide a breakdown by county, stage in the planning process including pre-application, application lodged, under assessment, and on appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, and expected year of determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49346/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

490. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the number of solar energy projects that have received planning permission but have not yet commenced construction; the total generating capacity in MW represented by these projects; the length of time elapsed since permission was granted in each case; and if he will provide a breakdown by county, project size, and stated reasons for delay where available, including grid connection, financing, or regulatory factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49347/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Deputy James Browne

I propose to take Questions Nos. 487, 488, 489 and 490 together.

Planning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/.

The data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority.

However, granular data, in terms of the number of decisions in relation to the quantum of wind or solar energy that has been approved, the total number of projects in the planning system or projects approved and not commenced is not specifically collected and consequently is not available in my Department. Such information may be sought directly from the relevant planning authority.

An Coimisiún Pleanála publishes information in relation to Renewable Energy applications and appeals that come before it. The data for 2025 can be accessed here: www.pleanala.ie/getmedia/16a1fe08-dc81-404c-bca5-fcd2dac877be/Renewable-Energy-23-12-25.pdf?ext=.pdf.