FuturEnergy Ireland, the joint venture between Coillte and ESB, and Irish renewable development company ART Generation have been granted planning permission to develop their Kilkenny Windfarm project in Castlebanny by An Bord Pleanála.
The proposed wind farm in Co Kilkenny will comprise 21 wind turbines, and it is expected to generate enough electricity to power 70,000 homes and offset 3m to 4.4m tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
The companies also have plans to support a community benefit fund that will provide, along with contributions from near neighbours and the wider community, direct local funding of €500,000 per year for the first 15 years, or a total of €7.5m.
FuturEnergy and ART Generation expect the project to contribute €1.8m to €2.3m in annual rates contributions to Kilkenny County Council as well as on-site amenities and jobs during construction and operation.
The project will now engage with EirGrid to apply for access to the national grid system and continue with development activities to be eligible to enter subsequent Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auctions.
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The process is likely to take up to two years, after which construction can commence.
Paul Gallagher, portfolio director at FuturEnergy Ireland , said: “While the receipt of planning permission represents an important milestone, we recognise that there is a lot of work remaining to successfully deliver this project with our partner ART Generation.
"We look forward to continuing our engagement with the local communities of South Kilkenny to harness the project’s potential to contribute significantly towards Ireland’s climate action targets and improve the country’s energy security, while providing social and economic benefits to the local area.”
Richard Walshe, CEO of ART Generation, said: “The world, and indeed the energy world as we know it, has changed significantly in the past seven months. The basic need for energy and the way it affects all aspects of our everyday lives has never been so apparent.
"This decision from An Bord Pleanála endorses and complements our most basic needs in terms of energy security and environmental sustainability for future generations.
"We would like to acknowledge the local community in South Kilkenny who have supported the development of Castlebanny Wind Farm over the years.”
ART Generation is ultimately owned by Richard Walshe, a Kilkenny native who has worked in wind energy development for 20 years. The company's latest accounts show net assets of €2m.
