Wind farms inject €75m into local authority commercial rates

Wind energy rates payments to rise by almost €5.6 million in 2026

Almost €75m in commercial rates will be paid from wind farms this year, an increase of almost €5.6m in 12 months. 

Almost €75m in commercial rates will be paid from wind farms this year, an increase of almost €5.6m in 12 months. 

Analysis by Halpin's on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland shows that annual rates payments from wind farms have increased from €69.27 million in March 2025 to €74.87 million in March 2026. 

Kerry County Council will take in €11.04m from commercial rates from wind farms this year, representing over 20% of its commercial rates. 

In Cork City Council region, there is no rates paid from wind farms but Cork County Council will take in €7.65m from rates from wind farms in 2026, representing a 5.52% share of commercial rates income. The local authority in Offaly will take in €7.94m which is almost 31% of commercial rates income. 

The growth reflects continued investment in renewable energy projects driven by new wind farms coming on stream. In some counties, the local property tax system has been modified, increasing the return. 

Together, these two factors have increased rates payments from the wind sector by 8%, said David Halpin, who compiled the data. "The contribution of the wind sector to local councils cannot be understated. Outside of major urban areas, wind projects are often among the largest single contributors to their county," said Mr Halpin. In nine counties, wind farms now contribute more than 10 per cent of all commercial rates income. 

“This €75m investment is also a massive support for small and medium businesses, especially in rural Ireland, who would face demands for higher rates contributions if Irish wind farms were not providing this funding,” said Noel Cunniffe, chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland.

The analysis was compiled to coincide with Global Wind Day. Last month, wind energy made up 28% of the total amount of energy generated across the month. Total generation of wind amounted to 784 gigawatt hours. "Every wind turbine generating electricity reduces our reliance on imported fossil fuels and brings long-term economic benefits to local communities. Irish-made energy insulates businesses from global economic shocks, supports jobs and strengthens our energy security," said Mr Cunnffe.