Windfarm plan for Drumlosh and Cornafulla
Plans for a windfarm between Drumlosh, Cornafulla and Clonown are in the pipeline.
BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) and SSE Energy Renewables are to host a series of public consultation sessions regarding the proposed new Cornafulla Wind Farm project next week.
This project is the latest wind farm development proposed as part of BnM and SSE joint venture partnership. It is to be located on BnM’s landbank across Cornafulla Bog in South Roscommon.
The proposed study area as outlined in maps extends across much of the Creggan townland, stretching from Drumlosh eastwards towards Clonown, and north to Cornafulla.
The sessions, to be held in Clann na nGael clubhouse and Clonmacnoise, will offer members of the public a chance to engage with the project team and provide feedback on the proposed development.
In information provided to local residents in recent days, BnM and SSE have said the exact number and locations of turbines have not yet been determined.
It said, over the coming months, to determine the extent of the proposed development, the project team will undertake a number of onsite surveys on Cornafulla Bog, such as ecology, ornithology, aquatic and heritage surveys.
The team will also commence a series of off-site surveys, such as noise monitoring at sensitive receptors around the site and a range of environmental baseline surveys of the proposed grid connection and proposed haul routes.
At a later second consultation phase, the draft wind turbine layout will be available as will detail on the setback distance, location, height and number of proposed turbines
As part of their community engagement programme for Cornafulla Wind Farm, BnM and SSE have appointed a Community Relations Team, including a dedicated Community Liaison Officer. This team will be present at the upcoming consultation sessions to gather feedback from the public and address any questions.
The sessions take place on Tuesday, December 2, between 5 and 8.30pm at Clann na nGael clubhouse in Johnstown and on Thursday,. December 4, at St Ciarán's NS, Clonmacnoise.
The issue of the visual impact, if any, of the project on the monastic site in Clonmacnoise, which lies across the River Shannon from the Drumlosh area, will be a key consideration for locals and heritage enthusiasts.
The company said, in a press release, that the proposed Cornafulla Wind Farm would bring a range of benefits to the local area, including a dedicated Community Benefit Fund and would make a significant contribution to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2025,
Declan Byrne, Development Project Manager from SSE Renewables, said: “We are keen to meet with the local community to discuss and receive feedback on our plans for the proposed Cornafulla Wind Farm. If delivered, the project has a dedicated Community Benefit Fund that both SSE Renewables and BnM are proud to deliver.”
The project will go through a pre-planning consultation process with An Coimisiún Pleanála to determine whether it constitutes Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID).
Energy infrastructure which is considered SID include wind farms with more than 25 turbines or having a total output greater than 50 megawatts
If deemed to constitute an SID, the planning application is made directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála, rather than to the local authority.