Investment of up to €280 million in both wind farms
Will include up to €700,000 per annum for proposed Community Fund
Members of the public in County Mayo are encouraged to have their say on the proposed Sheskin South Wind Farm and Glenora Wind Farm as part of ongoing public consultations.
As part of the Climate Action Plan, the Government has introduced the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) to promote the generation of electricity from renewable sources by providing financial support to renewable electricity projects in Ireland. All projects supported by RESS must establish a Community Benefit Fund to be used for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. If successful in the RESS process, the proposed Community Fund for both wind farms could be up to €700,000 each per annum. All community funds will be administered in line with the terms and conditions under RESS, which give the local community responsibility in deciding how community benefit funding is spent in their area.
The proposed Sheskin South Wind Farm development site is located approximately 6.7 km northeast of Bangor Erris and 11km south of the Atlantic Coast and falls entirely within the townland of Sheskin, County Mayo. If it receives planning permission and is constructed as proposed, it will comprise up to 21 wind turbines. When completed, the onshore wind farm will generate up to 126MW of renewables electricity, have the potential to power almost 84,000 homes annually and offset over 90 million kilogrammes (KG) of harmful carbon emissions.
The proposed Glenora Wind Farm site is located to the south of Maumakeogh Mountain, approximately 7km southwest of Ballycastle and 6km southeast of Belderrig. Should it be successful in the planning process, and be constructed as proposed, the project will comprise up to 22 wind turbines. the operational wind farm would generate up to 132MW, have the potential to power almost 88,000 homes annually while offsetting almost 95 million KG of carbon emissions.
The public consultations remain open online and details of the projects are being shared via www.glenorawindfarm.com and www.sheskinsouthwindfarm.com. This virtual approach offers a complete overview of each project including a digital brochure, photomontages of the proposed developments, and a feedback form where comments and opinions can be submitted.
As part of the public consultation process, the SSE Renewables team and its dedicated Community Liaison Officer will work with local communities and stakeholders to gather feedback and local information that will inform the project.
"We are delighted to be able to share this wealth of information about Sheskin South Wind Farm and Glenora Wind Farm with communities in County Mayo. It is really important that local stakeholders get an opportunity to engage and share their views on the projects ahead of us submitting applications to An Bord Pleanála which will allow the projects to proceed.
Maria Ryan Director of Development for SSE Renewables
Our dedicated project website and self-guided online exhibitions will offer a variety of ways for people to learn more about the projects and to arrange meetings with the project team, and to provide feedback to us."
For further information contact Community Liaison Officer, Tom Burke, on 086 042 1776 or at [email protected].