2025 was a significant year for our Renewables Team, reflecting continued momentum in the delivery of Ireland’s onshore wind energy programme and our role in supporting the national transition to a low‑carbon energy system.
Progressing wind energy through the consenting process
In 2025, our Renewables Team led the submission of just over 700 MW of wind energy projects into the Irish planning and consenting process. If consented and constructed, these projects could supply the electricity needs of over 500,000 homes, representing a substantial contribution to Ireland’s renewable electricity capacity.
In addition, the team supported and led a wide range of further information requests, responses to submissions, appeals and responses to grounds of appeal for projects submitted during 2024 and 2025. This breadth of work reflected the increasingly complex nature of the wind energy consenting process.
Consents achieved across a diverse project portfolio
Alongside new applications, approximately 400 MW of MKO‑led wind energy projects were brought through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and were granted planning permission during the year.
These consents included a diverse mix of development types, comprising:
- Greenfield wind energy developments
- Extensions of operational life for existing wind farms
- Repowering of existing wind energy sites
The continued operation of existing wind farms beyond their temporary planning permissions, combined with repowering initiatives and the development of new greenfield sites, are key to achieving Ireland’s national target of 9 GW of installed onshore wind capacity. At present, Ireland is at less than 5 GW, underlining the importance of sustained delivery across all project types.
Growing capability to meet demand
Recognising the scale and pace of renewable energy development, we continued to invest in the capacity of our Renewables Team throughout 2025. This included the recruitment of graduates and experienced industry practitioners, strengthening the team’s capability to support complex and large‑scale projects. Our Renewables Team also participated in our 2026 graduate recruitment programme, supporting the growth of the next generation of planning, environmental and renewable energy professionals.
Looking ahead
As Ireland continued to accelerate its transition to renewable energy, the need for experienced, integrated planning and environmental support became increasingly important. Throughout 2025, our Renewables Team worked across the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and environmental assessment through to consent and appeal, supporting clients in navigating a rapidly evolving policy and regulatory landscape.