Construction Begins On Midlands' Latest Wind Farm

Tuesday, 5 July 2022 10:20

By Ellen Butler @LN_but

The project has received a poor reception from local residents.

Construction has begun on the midlands' latest wind farm.

Norwegian company Statkraft is building 12 turbines in south-east Offaly, despite significant local opposition.

Moanvane Wind Farm, located between the village of Cloneygowan and Walsh Island in Offaly, was granted planning permission back in 2018.

However, the proposals faced considerable opposition with 219 objections filed with Offaly County Council and a campaign against the project organised by local residents.

Statkraft says it engaged meaningfully with the local community and ensured their feedback was taken into consideration in the development process and looks forward to that engagement continuing.

A 6 kilometre amenity trail is being developed at Moanvane, as part of a 6 million euro community benefit fund to be delivered to the local community over the next 17 years.

Statkraft says the main construction works will take about 12 months to complete and will be followed by turbine installation and grid connection works.

It is envisaged the 57.6 megawatt wind farm will be operational in 2024.

Statkraft will fund and manage the construction of the wind farm and will operate it when complete.

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 is encouraging anyone in the locality with any queries to visit moanvanewindfarm.ie, where all project notifications and updates will be posted.