EDF Renewables Ireland is announcing plans to develop a c.50MW wind farm northwest of Old Leighlin in Co. Carlow. The proposed Seskin Wind Farm will be located in the townlands of Seskinrea and Ridge, and could power more than 36,000 homes.
preliminary wind turbine layout
The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site, which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine layout. Detailed environmental studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape, and visual assessments.
The results of these studies and feedback gathered in consultation with local communities will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and the number of turbines.
planning application and permission
Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2026
EDF Renewables Ireland intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project, which could consist of up to seven turbines, to Carlow County Council in late 2022 or early 2023.
Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2026. Once built, a Community Benefit Fund commensurate with the size of the final project will be established to provide funding for local community initiatives and activities.
public consultation events
EDF Renewables is currently in discussions with Coillte about the inclusion of sections of Coillte property in the proposal in addition to other third-party lands.
EDF Renewables Ireland is committed to keeping local people informed about its projects and several public consultation events will take place as the Seskin Wind Farm progresses. These will be either online or in a local venue, depending on COVID-19 guidelines.
Addressing climate crisis and decarbonization
Building and maintaining good relationships with the local community is always a priority for EDF"
Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Daly, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said, “Projects like Seskin Wind Farm are crucial to tackling the climate crisis and decarbonizing our energy supply, and will contribute to helping Ireland meet its target of delivering 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade."
He adds, “Building and maintaining good relationships with the local community is always a priority for EDF Renewables wherever we develop projects."
Positive contribution
Kevin Daly continues, "Seskin Wind Farm will also make a positive contribution to the area in the form of the Community Benefit Fund, which will provide funding for local initiatives and activities."
He adds, “We look forward to working closely with residents and the wider community in west Carlow, as well as the County Council, to keep them updated on the project and how it can benefit the area.”