Project Overview and Evolution

We believe this proposal has the capacity to deliver climate action while bringing very real benefits to the local area and its people. This proposal is to develop a 10-turbine wind farm with a maximum tip height of 185 metres. The location under consideration was initially identified following a review of areas that could allow for the development of this type. All wind energy proposals with an output of over 50MW are deemed by planning to be strategic projects given what they potentially have to offer. Therefore, submission directly to An Bord Pleanála as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application is a planning requirement for this proposal. Kerry County Council will be expected to review and actively input on any submission

Project at a Glance

 

  • 10 turbine project
  • Turbine heights of 150m and 185m
  • Distance to the nearest turbine – over 600m and 740m depending on turbine height
  • Over 53MW of renewable energy to the Irish electricity grid
  • Zero shadow flicker policy
  • Total Community Benefit Fund of circa €3.97 million over 15 years
  • 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
  • Annual rate payments c. €1 million a year  
  • 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 a local substation.  

 

How has this project evolved over time?

At the initial stages of consideration, designers drafted a project outline that would maximise the wind energy potential of the site. Placing local appropriateness as a fundamental consideration, further optimisation of this design was carried out. Following feedback received during initial community engagement, distance to houses, number of turbines, shadow flicker and noise were also considered. It was found that it was possible to reduce turbine numbers further and improve the general performance levels of the proposed wind farm by increasing the tip height by 35m.


The design changes are set out in the following table: