Wind farms to deliver €7.4 million in funding to Mayo County Council

Mayo wind farms will pay €7.4 million in rates to Mayo County Council this year.

Data compiled by Halpin’s on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) found that wind farms will contribute over 16% of all commercial rates paid in Mayo in 2026.

Nationally, wind farms will provide almost €75 million in commercial rates to county councils across Ireland and in nine counties, payments from wind farms will make up more than 10 per cent of their commercial rates income.

David Halpin, of Halpin’s, stated that the contribution of the wind sector to local councils cannot be understated.

“Outside of major urban areas, wind projects are often the largest single contributors to their County,” he said.

Wind farms also support local projects and community groups via their community benefit funds. In 2024, the last full year reported, Mayo wind farms contributed over €774,783 to various projects in their locality.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said every wind turbine generating electricity helps reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while bringing investment and long-term economic benefits to local communities.

"Here in Mayo, wind energy will provide 16 per cent of all commercial rates paid in 2026. That means three-quarters of the council's locally-funded contribution to water supply and wastewater treatment could be backed by wind.

“This shows the real benefits that renewable energy is bringing to rural Ireland and to counties like Mayo," he said.

He further added that a report from the ESRI in April confirmed that Ireland has the highest electricity prices in Europe.

“The best way to bring bills down is to generate more affordable, clean energy here at home from renewable sources like wind and solar, while making sure counties like Mayo continue to benefit from the investment and economic activity that renewable energy projects bring," he said.