February 21, 2020
Ireland

New BNM windfarm planned for West Offaly

Offaly Independent | Thursday, 20th February, 2020 | www.offalyindependent.ie

Bord na Móna has plans to develop a new 21-turbine wind farm close to its peat briquette factory in Derrinlough.

In a statement this week, the firm confirmed that a planning application will be made shortly to An Bord Pleanala for a windfarm on cutaway peatlands on Clongawny and Drinagh bogs in West Offaly.

If given the green light, the proposed development will consist of 21 wind turbines with a top of foundation to blade tip height of 185 metres.Bord na Móna says the development will create between 100 and 120 jobs during its construction phase and six to eight permanent jobs in operations and maintenance.

A planning notice published in the local media this week, also includes details for the construction of two permanent 120m anemometry masts, two permanent underpasses in the townland of Derrinlough, one under the N62 and another under a Bord na Móna rail line and an electrical substation in the townland of Cortullagh or Grove.

Bord na Móna says that its interest in bringing forward the proposed Derrinlough Wind Farm is a result of the company’s transition to becoming a major supplier of renewable energy.”As part of its Brown to Green Strategy, the company is implementing an extensive peatland rehabilitation programme and expanding its new low carbon operations.

A key objective of this strategy involves using the land to continue to underpin Ireland’s energy independence by developing green, sustainable energy sources to assist with Ireland’s commitment to generate 70% renewable electricity by 2030.

“Bord na Móna added that, if given the green light, the development “will provide an enduring economic benefit to the communities surrounding the proposed project through the extensive amenity plans and linkage with other amenity facilities and tourist attractions in the region, the community benefit package for both residents and community groups, employment during the construction and operation of the development and also through the annual rates payable to the local authority”.

The firm also confirmed this week that it has plans to develop a wind farm at its Bolivor Bog Group in Meath and Westmeath


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/02/21/new-bnm-windfarm-planned-for-west-offaly/