Project being considered
Coole Wind Farm is a wind energy development located in County Westmeath. Situated in an area with an excellent wind resource, the project will generate clean, renewable electricity, positively contributing to Ireland’s overall energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The project comprises of a consented 13 turbine layout that was granted permission in 2019.
While the 13 turbine development is consented, we are continuing to endeavour to establish how this proposal could work best in the area and deliver the most benefit. As part of this process, we identified an opportunity to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of this development with the inclusion of two additional turbines for a 15 turbine development. In March 2021 we applied for planning permission for a 15 turbine development including a grid connection to An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála) as Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID). A decision to refuse permission was issued by An Coimisiún Pleanála in March 2024. This decision was subsequently appealed to the High Court and An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision was quashed by Order of the High Court in February 2025. The application was thereafter remitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála. A decision is awaited.
This project has the potential to make a meaningful difference in delivering effective climate action. It also has the capacity to deliver significant near and long term benefits to both County Westmeath and the local communities.
Projects at a Glance
- 15 turbine project
- Maximum Tip Height 175M
- 90MW of renewable energy to the Irish electricity grid
- Zero shadow flicker policy
- Total Community Benefit Fund of up €8 million over 15 years
- The project is expected to contribute approximately €xx in commercial rates to Westmeath County Council over its operational lifetime
- Recreational, community and biodiversity improvements associated with the development
- Near Neighbour Payments will be available as part of the Community Benefit Fund associated with the project
- Associated works will include access tracks, met mast, turbine foundations and hard-standing areas, drainage works, temporary site compound, grid system services, substation, and underground electrical and communications cable to connect the proposed project to the existing Mullingar 110kV substation
- Statkraft has worked to maximize setback distance to dwelling houses
- Local roads will be upgraded
- Approximately 135 jobs created during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project
- 13 turbine project
- Maximum Tip Height 175M
- 50MW of renewable energy to the Irish electricity grid
- Zero shadow flicker policy
- Total Community Benefit Fund of up €5 million over 15 years
- The project is expected to contribute approximately €xx in commercial rates to Westmeath County Council over its operational lifetime
- Recreational, community and biodiversity improvements associated with the development
- Near Neighbour Payments will be available as part of the Community Benefit Fund associated with the project
- Associated works will include access tracks, met mast, turbine foundations and hard-standing areas, drainage works, temporary site compound, grid system services, substation, and underground electrical and communications cable to connect the proposed project to the existing Mullingar 110kV substation
- Statkraft has worked to maximize setback distance to dwelling houses
- Local roads will be upgraded
- Approximately 90 jobs created during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project
Project Layouts
Additional Documents
Here you can find past project brochures and letters informing about the project