Following on from the previous article on the need for guidance assessing solar farm planning applications, it is necessary to point out - as noted at this week's Irish Planning Institute Autumn conference - that we we also need updated guidelines on wind farm development and on assessing such planning applications.
The current Wind Energy Development Guidelines, issued in 2006, are outdated and no longer fully address the evolving technological, environmental, community, and policy landscapes. Despite ongoing reviews since 2013 and draft revisions in 2019, final updated guidelines have not been published as of October 2025, missing multiple timelines including Q1 2025 set in the Climate Action Plan 2024. This delay exacerbates inconsistencies in planning decisions, hinders renewable energy targets, and fails to mitigate key concerns.
Below, I outline the primary reasons for this need, drawing on recent developments and stakeholder input.
Wind turbine technology has advanced significantly since 2006, with modern turbines often exceeding 150-200 meters in height—far taller than those envisioned in the original guidelines. The 2006 guidelines do not adequately account for these changes, leading to inadequate provisions on setback distances, noise limits, and shadow flicker. For example, permitted noise levels in Ireland are reportedly double those in Australia, prompting calls for stricter standards to protect residential amenities. The ongoing review aims to address these, but without finalized updates, planning authorities rely on ad-hoc interpretations, resulting in variable outcomes and increased appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála).
The absence of updated guidance contributes to fragmented decision-making across local authorities. In Q2 2025, only two wind farms (79 MW) were approved, while 76 MW were rejected and over 1,600 MW awaited decisions, highlighting inefficiencies. New regulations like the European Union (Planning and Development) (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2025 introduce mandatory timelines and scoping for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) starting October 2025, but these are procedural and do not provide substantive criteria for assessments. Updated guidelines would standardize evaluations on site suitability, grid integration, and cumulative impacts, aligning with the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARET) priorities for 2025/2026, which include issuing final guidelines to boost onshore wind deployment.
Wind farms can impact biodiversity, habitats, and scenic landscapes, particularly in sensitive areas like Natura 2000 sites. The 2006 guidelines lack robust requirements for modern environmental safeguards, such as detailed biodiversity net gain assessments or mitigation for bird and bat collisions. With Ireland targeting 9 GW of onshore wind by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan, updated guidance is essential to balance renewable goals with ecological protection. The review process emphasizes these aspects, but delays mean projects proceed under insufficient frameworks, risking legal challenges and environmental harm.
Community opposition has grown due to perceived over-saturation in rural areas, visual impacts, and inadequate consultation. Protests in 2024 called for "robust" new regulations, with the Taoiseach acknowledging outdated rules and the need for greater setbacks from homes. The draft 2019 revisions proposed enhanced community obligations, dividends, and early engagement, but without implementation, trust erodes. Updated guidelines could mandate benefit-sharing models and address "over-saturation" to foster acceptance, as recommended by Wind Energy Ireland and parliamentary questions.
Uncertainty deters investment, with developers facing unpredictable risks amid grid constraints and policy shifts. The National Planning Framework revision and the Planning and Development Act 2024 necessitate aligned guidelines to support Ireland's EU renewable targets and avoid penalties. Studies like "Protecting Consumers – Our Onshore Wind Energy Opportunity" highlight the potential for more onshore wind but stress the need for clear, updated planning frameworks to realize it.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, continues the review, with public consultation on drafts anticipated before finalization. Until updated guidelines are issued—potentially as a National Planning Statement under new legislation—planning assessments remain inconsistent and suboptimal. Prioritizing this would accelerate wind farm development toward 2030 goals while addressing stakeholder concerns, ensuring sustainable growth in renewable energy.
Article compiled by BPS Planning & Development Consultants
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