Grid connection to stall windfarm

A NEW €150 million windfarm development in West Clare, which has the potential to generate enough electricity to power 60,000 homes, has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála.

Up to 30 landowners in Mount Callan can look forward to a share of about €500,000 over a 20-year period if the co-operative can secure the necessary grid connection.
One of the main figures driving the project has conceded, however, that it could take until 2017 or even longer to get construction underway, unless the process for connection to the national grid is reformed.
It is expected the development will create between 150 and 200 construction jobs, which would represent a considerable boost for West Clare.
Once operational, the development will be the second biggest windfarm in the country, after a 181 megawatt project in North-West Mayo, and the third largest energy project in the county following the construction of the ESB power stations at Ardnacrusha and Moneypoint.
West Clare Renewable Energy Ltd (WCRE) has received approval to construct 29 3MW wind turbines on the western slopes of Mount Callan, subject to 19 planning conditions.
The windfarm involves wind turbines with a hub height of 80m and rotor diameter of 90m, substation and associated control buildings, site and ground works. The scheme is predicted to reduce carbon emissions over its lifetime by a massive 4,400,000 tonnes.
The largest community-owned windfarm development in Ireland had previously received planning approval from Clare County Council, which was put on hold following objections that the windfarm would be visually intrusive and could affect the hen harrier population in the area.
The potential of the windfarm is reflected in the fact it could produce 16% of the 550MW renewable energy target set by Clare County Council. It is slightly bigger than the one in Connemara that was refused planning permission by the appeals’ board last week.
Wind speeds on Mount Callan, at 10 metres per second, are among the highest in the country because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, elevation and isolation.
In addition to a requirement for a major upgrading of the road between Inagh and Miltown Malbay, Clare County Council will receive a boost to its coffers of over €650,000 in commercial rates annually.
After over five years of work on feasibility studies and preparing the initial planning application, WCRE chairman, Padraig Howard said he is thrilled and relieved to secure planning approval.
He paid tribute to landowners, who have a majority shareholding in the company, for putting their shoulder to the wheel during difficult times.
He claimed the project has 95% support in the local community and insisted the company has done everything it could to address concerns of objectors.
Acknowledging the right of people to lodge objections against the proposal, he hoped they would now engage in a constructive way with the company in an effort to address any outstanding concerns.
Asked about alleged health risks, the impact of noise and shadow flicker, Mr Howard said he isn’t aware of any studies proving a deterioration in health for householders living near wind turbines, while the company also adhered to all the national guidelines for shadow flicker and noise.
“I accept some people will never be happy with this project but they are a small minority. The door is still open for anyone who has a concern who wants to talk to the company. The 30 farm families, who own land and live in Mount Callan, see the project as a way of sustaining their farm families into the future.
“One landowner, who is involved in the project is living within 500 metres; the nearest objector is about 590 metres away, while a few others live over 700 to 800 metres away from turbines.
“The company got fantastic local support, which drove us on when we had difficult times. This included traders in Miltown Malbay, the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, the GAA club and the IFA,” he said.
On the subject of securing the necessary finance to build the development, he said the company has a number of offers of investors involved in pension funds, green funds and international banks, who are interested in providing the necessary money.
However, he admitted he would prefer if the project could be funded locally, if 50,000 investors in the Mid-West were prepared to provide €5,000.