TWO wind farms with a total of 15 wind turbines could be located in close proximity to each other in South-East Clare after a developer unveiled new plans for another renewable energy development, writes Dan Danaher.
EDF Renewables Ireland has announced plans to develop a 50 megawatt wind farm with up to seven turbines on land to the east of Broadford.
The proposed Lackareagh Wind Farm, which could power more than 35,000 homes, will be located in the townlands of Killeagy and Shannaknock.
The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine layout.
Detailed environmental studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments.
The results of these studies, together with feedback gathered in consultation with local communities, will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and number of turbines.
This is in addition to plans for the development of eight 180 metre wind turbines by RWE Renewables at Fahy Beg, Fahy More North, Ballymoloney and Ballyknavin in Bridgetown.
The Fahybeg Windfarm Information Group (FWIG) has expressed concern about the height of the proposed Fahybeg Wind farm, which at 180 metres is likely to be one of the highest in the country.
If the Fahybeg WindFarm is granted planning permission, it will be more than five times higher than Bunratty Castle, which stands at 35 metres high.
EDF Renewables Ireland intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project, which could consist of up to seven turbines, to Clare County Council in early 2023.
Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2026.
According to a statement issued on behalf of EDF Renewables Ireland, a Community Benefit Fund commensurate with the size of the final project will be established to provide funding for local community initiatives and activities.
“EDF Renewables Ireland is committed to keeping local people informed about its projects and a public consultation event will take place as the Lackareagh Wind Farm progresses. This will be either online or in a local venue, depending on Covid-19 guidelines,” the statement outlined.
Kevin Daly, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “With the effects of the climate crisis becoming ever more visible, projects like Lackareagh Wind Farm are more important than ever.
“Ireland has ambitious targets to deliver 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade, and onshore wind is the most efficient means of achieving this.”
“The project will also deliver significant investment in the area in the form of the Community Benefit Fund and rates, which will provide funding for local initiatives and activities.”
“As the project progresses, we’ll be working closely with local residents and the wider community in East Clare, and the County Council, to keep them updated and informed on how Lackareagh Wind Farm will benefit the local area.”