The proposed Kilsallagh Wind Farm in North Mayo could be up and running by 2028 and may have up to 13 turbines that will power equivalent of c.50,000 homes across Ireland, according to EDF Renewables, which has released further details about its proposed Kilsallagh Wind Farm, ahead of a public exhibition it is hosting in Bangor Erris Parish Hall on Tuesday 28th March.
EDF Renewables stated: "The project, located in a forested area to the northeast of Slieve Carr, will comprise 13 turbines and have a generating capacity of c.80MW, enough to power the equivalent of c 50,000 homes.
"If the project receives planning permission and is constructed, a Community Benefit Fund will be established, to support positive local initiatives and activities.
"The turbines, which will be located northeast of Slieve Carr and approximately 8km southeast of Bangor Erris, will have tip heights of up to 200m.
“Following consultation with the local community, the project team intends to submit a planning application and the Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project to An Bord Pleanála in Q2 2023.
"Subject to planning permission, the wind farm is expected to be operational in 2028. The project will also include access tracks, a substation, battery energy storage, a temporary construction compound, a permanent meteorological mast, underground cabling and a grid connection which links the wind farm to the national electricity grid."
Jenny Howard, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “The team has been hard at work completing a number of environmental studies and assessing the geotechnical and other conditions at the site. The project will benefit from Mayo’s excellent wind resources and will make a positive contribution to increasing the amount of electricity generated in Ireland from renewable sources.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the local community at the public exhibition, updating them on progress to date and getting their feedback on the project.
“We’ll also be speaking to residents about the Community Benefit Fund on offer, and how funds from this can benefit local initiatives and activities.”
The public exhibition will be held at Bangor Erris Parish Hall from 3pm to 8pm on Tuesday 28th of March and will feature information about the project and the environmental surveys completed to date, project timeline, Community Benefit Fund, and other aspects of wind energy.
There is no need to register in advance and all are welcome.
A virtual exhibition will also be available to view at www.edf-re.ie/our-sites/Kilsallagh To find out more email [email protected].