Proposals to develop an 11-turbine wind farm west of Clonberne which could generate enough electricity to supply over 48,000 homes were unveiled to the local community last week.
Clonberne Windfarm Limited have identified lands to the west of Clonberne village as having potential to accommodate a wind farm development and feasibility studies have been undertaken to asses the site’s potential over the past few years.
It is envisaged that a planning application will be lodged in early 2023 and the Public Information Event gave the local community an opportunity to view the plans and discuss the project further with experts who have been preparing the application. For anyone who could not attend the event, the plans can be viewed on the project website www.clonbernewindfarm.com
Due to the size of the project it will follow the Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID ) process and therefore the application for planning will be made directly with An Bord Pleanála.
Speaking about the need for such a project, Clonberne Windfarm Limited’s Johnny Mullins said that we are living in unprecedented times where energy prices are soaring.
“Our company is working hard to deliver green energy alternatives to combat the rising price of electricity and help Ireland reach its climate targets.
“It is proposed that the Clonberne Wind Farm will compromise 11 wind turbines that will generate enough electricity to supply over 48,000 homes and businesses.
“When built, a substantial Community Benefit Fund will be available for local projects in the areas of recreation, health and wellbeing, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, and tourism to ensure the local community benefits from hosting this strategically important development”
The Government published the Climate Action Plan in 2021, outlining the decision to increase renewable electricity production from wind and solar up to 80 per cent by 2030. The proposed Clonberne Wind Farm project is, in part, a response to the challenges of climate change and ensuring a secure supply of Ireland’s future energy needs.
Check out www.clonbernewindfarm.com for further information on this proposed development.
