National conference to take place in Kilkenny as host association criticises Irish planning system

Ireland’s onshore wind sector is “trapped in an eternal Groundhog Day,” according to the Irish Wind Farmers’ Association (IWFA), which has warned that persistent delays in the planning system are jeopardising the State’s 2030 renewable energy targets.

“We’ve reached an impasse,” said IWFA Chairperson Richard Walshe, speaking ahead of the organisation’s annual conference taking place on Thursday, November 27 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. 

“Without decisive action, planning obstacles pose a serious threat to achieving the commitments outlined in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan,” he added.

The conference is set to focus on the next phase of Ireland’s renewable transition and serve as a forum to align stakeholders, shape policy, and support a sustainably powered Ireland. Discussions will focus on planning reform, grid connection, the increasing role of battery energy storage and policies surrounding the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), leaving communities without the necessary support to drive successful wind projects.

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets 9 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity by 2030. The IWFA says this goal is slipping out of reach unless the Government shows stronger leadership to overcome the regulatory obstacles currently in the system.

SEE ALSO: Kilkenny locals 'not notified' about huge huge windfarm plans near picturesque village

Walsh explained that “we urgently need reform in the planning process. Current projects with full planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála are set back or delayed due to minor clerical errors or resolvable issues such as tree felling.”

“This is a major obstacle impeding the country’s ability to build critical projects, not just in renewable energy, it extends to housing, public infrastructure and across other industries,” he concluded.

The theme of this year’s event is Accelerating Renewables to 2030: Ireland’s Progress and Response to the EU’s Renewable Energy Ambition,” focusing on the next phase of Ireland’s renewable transition.

The first session examines developments in planning, including the last Planning Development Act, followed by a discussion on grid integration, tackling issues such as hybrid connections and battery storage opportunities for wind farmers, featuring Lisa Foley from Cornwall Insight, an energy research group.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to markets and investment, exploring the Net Zero Industry Act with Paul McGoldrick from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) projects, and biodiversity mapping with Barry Caslin from Teagasc.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS