Plans underway for major windfarm in parts of Offaly

The planning process for what would be Bord Na Móna's largest windfarm in the country, to be located in areas of Offaly and Kildare, is underway.

Bord na Móna Power Gen this week sought a pre-application consultation with An Bord Pleanála on its proposed Ballydermot Wind Farm, which will include between 50 and 55 turbines.

Planning applications for proposed strategic infrastructure development, such as large windfarms, are not submitted to the local planning authority but instead they are submitted to An Bord Pleanála. Under planning rules for strategic infrastructure development, potential applicants must first consult with An Bord Pleanála on its plan, a process known as pre-application consultation, before submitting a formal planning application for consideration.

The company's study area for the project comprises 14 bogs known as the Ballydermot Bog Group straddling Offaly and Kildare between the village and towns of Clonbullogue, Derrinturn, Edenderry, Allenwood and Rathangan.

Bord Na Móna on its website says the development of a wind farm would “continue the long tradition of energy production in a new increasingly sustainable form” and would underpin Bord na Móna’s move away from its traditional ‘brown’ generation to a more sustainable ‘green’ future.”

It says that the project would create between 150 and 200 jobs at peak construction and said there will be community benefit funds, substantial rates paid to the relevant local authority and that road infrastructure in the vicinity of the wind farm would be upgraded as required.