Longford public consultation sessions on proposed new wind farm 

Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables are inviting members of the local community to a series of upcoming public consultation sessions regarding the proposed new Coolnagun Wind Farm project.

This project is the latest development proposed as part of Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables’ joint venture partnership. It is to be located on Bord na Móna’s landbank across the Coolnagun, Milkernagh and Coolcraff Bogs in Westmeath and Longford.

The sessions, to be held in Abbeylara in Co Longford and Coole, Multyfarnham and Streete in Co Westmeath, will offer members of the public a chance to engage with the project team and provide feedback on the proposed development.

As part of their community engagement programme for Coolnagun Wind Farm, Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables have appointed a Community Engagement and Stakeholder Team, including a dedicated Community Liaison Officer. This team will be present at the upcoming consultation sessions to gather feedback from the public and address any questions.

Details of the upcoming public consultation events for the Coolnagun Wind Farm Project:

• 25th November 2024, 5-8.30pm, Abbeylara Parish Centre, Abbeylara, Co. Longford. N39 FP77
• 27th November 2024, 5-8.30pm, Coole Hall, Coole, Co. Westmeath, N91 E525
• 28th November 2024, 5-8.30pm, Multyfarnham Community Centre, Gaine Park, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath N91 AX5A
• 4th December 2024 5 – 8.30pm Streete Parish Park, Kil more, Streete, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 RC43

Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables will develop a draft layout for the wind farm in the coming months. Further public consultation events will take place next year to gather additional insights from the local community in advance of submitting a planning application in 2026. If delivered, the Coolnagun Wind Farm would bring a range of benefits to the local area, including a dedicated Community Benefit Fund.

Karina Dennigan, Community Relations and Advocacy Manager for Bord na Móna, said: “We invite all members of the local community to attend these important consultation sessions regarding the proposed wind farm project. These consultations are an essential part of the project, providing an opportunity for members of the community to meet the wider project team, share opinions and their views on the proposed development. The Community’s feedback is important in helping to ensure that the proposed wind farm is developed in a way that contributes positively to the local communities, local economies, and climate change. If delivered, Coolnagun Wind Farm would play a key role in supporting the supply of green electricity to our national grid and ultimately help Ireland achieve its ambitious climate targets for 2030 and beyond.”

Jeff Nattress, Development Project Manager from SSE Renewables, said, “We are eager to meet with the local community to get their feedback on the proposed Coolnagun Wind Farm. This joint venture project would bring investment and a range of benefits to the area and support the local community who are key stakeholders in the project. If delivered, the project would also have a dedicated Community Benefit Fund, something both SSE Renewables and Bord na Móna are proud to have been delivering at our operational sites for many years. We look forward to meeting the local community and getting their feedback on our early-stage plans.”

Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables announced their joint venture earlier this year, one of the largest onshore renewables joint ventures in the history of the state. If fully delivered, it is expected the portfolio of windfarms will generate 800  MW, enough renewable electricity to meet the average annual energy demand of around half a million homes, while [theoretically] displacing half a million tonnes of carbon emissions each year – making a substantial contribution to Ireland’s 2030 renewable energy “goals” set out in the national “Climate” Action Plan 2024.