Moanvane wind farm begins construction in Offaly
The company behind a 12 turbine wind farm between the village of Cloneygowan and nearby Walsh Island in county Offaly has confirmed that construction has begun on the site.
Statkraft is the company behind Moanvane Wind Farm which was granted planning permission in 2018. The 12 turbine, 57.6MW project will deliver a significant amount of renewable energy on to the grid at a time when secure, sustainable energy is urgently needed.
The main construction works will take approximately 12 months to complete, followed by turbine installation and grid connection works. It is envisaged the wind farm will be operational in 2024. Statkraft will fund and manage the construction of the wind farm and will operate it when complete.
As part of the project a 6km amenity trail will also be developed for the benefit of the entire community, offering additional opportunities for biodiversity enhancement in the area.
Speaking about project, Donal O’Sullivan, Head of Development with Statkraft Ireland said, “In light of the current energy and climate crisis, projects like Moanvane Wind Farm have a huge amount to offer the country and the local community. Not only will it contribute to Ireland’s important transition to renewable energy, but it will also bring significant local benefits with it, such as the 6km amenity trail. This was an idea that the local community came to us with, and we were happy to develop it as part of the project proposal.”
Pat O’Sullivan, Head of Stakeholder Engagement with Statkraft Ireland added, “This project carries with it a significant community benefit fund, worth in the region of €6 million, to be delivered to the local community over the next 17 years, including a direct return for local households. These funds will support the sustainability of the local area and ensure that local individuals and communities will benefit directly from the transformation of our energy system.”
“From the outset of the development process, we engaged in a meaningful way with the local community and ensured their feedback was taken into consideration throughout. We are looking forward to continuing that positive engagement with the local community as the project moves through construction phase.”
A dedicated Community Liaison Officer (CLO) will be available throughout the works. Statkraft encourages anyone in the locality with any queries to visit the project website www.moanvanewindfarm.ie where all project notifications and updates will be posted.