New windfarm plan for South Roscommon
EDF Renewables Ireland has announced plans to develop a circa 30MW wind farm in Roscommon. The proposed Carrowkeel Wind Farm, which could power more than 20,000 homes, is proposed for land 14km northwest of Athlone town, in the townlands of Kilmass, Rahara, Longfield, Grange and Corralea.
EDF Renewables’ project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site, which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine layout. Detailed environmental studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape, and visual assessments.
The project could consist of up to five wind turbines with tip heights of up to 180m, however the results of these studies, together with feedback gathered in consultation with local communities, will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and number of turbines.
EDF Renewables Ireland intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project in late 2024.
Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2028. A Community Benefit Fund commensurate with the size of the final project will be established to provide funding for local community initiatives and activities.
EDF Renewables Ireland said it is committed to keeping local people informed about its projects, and information about the project is being distributed to all homes within two kilometres of the site this week. Further public consultation, including a public exhibition, will take place as plans for Carrowkeel Wind Farm progress.
Commenting on the announcement, Jenny Howard, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing our plans for Carrowkeel Wind Farm, which if constructed will power the equivalent of over 20,000 Irish homes with low-carbon, renewable electricity. After a summer where we’ve seen the effects of climate change on weather systems across Europe, and last winter where Irish consumers faced massive hikes in their domestic electricity bills, the need for new renewable energy sources has never been more urgent.”
“Projects like Carrowkeel Wind Farm are essential if Ireland is to increase its security of supply, lower energy costs and meet its target of delivering 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade. This is a significant project for the local area, and EDF Renewables is committed to being a good neighbour. We will be consulting closely with members of the local community at all stages of the project to keep them updated on its progress, and if the project is consented and constructed, we look forward to supporting local initiatives through the creation of a Community Benefit Fund.”