Minister Darragh O’Brien officially opens Derrinlough Wind Farm after €150m investment
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, has officially opened BnM’s Derrinlough Wind Farm in Offaly today (Monday).
Located on Clongawny and Drinagh bogs, Derrinlough Wind Farm comprises 21 V150-6.0MW turbines with an installed capacity of 126MW. Representing an investment of over €150 million, the project marks a substantial contribution to supporting Ireland’s climate and renewable energy targets.
The opening marks a significant addition to BnM’s operational renewable energy portfolio and wider 5GW development pipeline across wind, solar and biomass, contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy infrastructure and supporting its transition to a low-carbon economy. BnM and Amazon have agreed on a corporate power purchase agreement connected to the project.
As part of the project, BnM has established the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, which will deliver approximately €12 million in funding to the local community over the lifetime of the wind farm.
The community benefit fund will include funding for local community projects, dedicated near neighbour supports, providing contributions towards electricity bills, as well as scholarships for local students attending third-level education, delivering tangible and lasting benefits for local communities neighbouring the wind farm.
In its initial phase, over €467,000 has been committed in funding for community projects, educational scholarships and near neighbour supports. This includes funding for 22 local community projects as well as 7 educational scholarships.
BnM has also developed over 24 kilometres of amenity access across the Derrinlough site, now open to the public for walking and cycling. This includes a network of accessible trails, three entry points from the surrounding road network, as well as a dedicated sensory garden, creating inclusive recreational opportunities while enhancing connectivity and access for local communities.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD said Derrinlough Wind Farm represents "an important addition to Ireland’s renewable energy infrastructure"
"[It] supports our ambition to significantly increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources. Projects of this scale play a vital role in helping Ireland meet its climate targets while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of our energy system.
"It is also encouraging to see developments like Derrinlough delivering wider benefits for local communities through funding supports and new recreational amenities.”
Tom Donnellan, CEO of BnM, said the opening of Derrinlough Wind Farm marks "another important milestone" in the delivery of BnM’s renewable energy pipeline, which includes over 5GW of wind, solar and other renewable energy projects currently in development.
"As we continue to scale our renewable energy portfolio, projects like Derrinlough will play an important role in supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.
"We welcome the corporate power purchase agreement with Amazon. We would also like to extend our thanks to the local community, suppliers, and project team for their support throughout the development phase of the wind farm.
"Alongside the energy generated here, the development will deliver lasting value for local communities through a community benefit fund, near neighbour supports, scholarships and new local amenities.”
Niamh Gallagher, Amazon Web Services Country Lead, Ireland, said: “Expanding renewable energy generation is essential to supporting Ireland's transition to a low-carbon energy system and achieving its climate targets.
"Projects like Derrinlough Wind Farm show how investment can increase the availability of locally generated carbon-free electricity on the grid while supporting greater energy security. We are pleased to work with BnM on a project that adds new carbon-free energy capacity to Ireland, strengthens grid stability, and brings benefits to local communities.”