– Extension means Coomatallin will continue to generate clean energy for a further 20 years –
SSE has been granted planning permission by Cork County Council to extend the operational life of its Coomatallin Wind Farm near Drinagh in West Cork for a further 20 years.
Coomatallin Wind Farm was originally granted planning permission in 2001, and entered commercial operations in 2006, with the planning permission limiting its operational life to 20 years from the date of commissioning.
Planning consent for the life extension of Coomatallin Wind Farm now allows SSE Renewables to continue generating clean green energy at the site up to 2046. The decision does not propose any increase in the number or size of the wind turbines at the site.
Coomatallin’s continued operation ensures it can continue to make a positive economic and social impact within the local community and the wider county. The consent decision means SSE Renewables will be able to continue supporting the local community through its established Coomatallin Community Fund. Since its launch 20 years ago in 2006, the community fund has awarded almost €290,000 to more than 150 different projects, supporting a wide range of local activities and initiatives. Additionally, commercial rates payments to Cork County Council will also continue, providing further financial contributions towards local services in Cork such as roads, local infrastructure and public services.
As one of Ireland’s earliest wind farms, the four-turbine Coomatallin Wind Farm has made an important contribution to renewable energy production for nearly two decades. Each year, the renewable energy generated at the wind farm has helped power the equivalent of over 4,000 homes*, helping displace significant volumes of harmful carbon dioxide.
Ciaran Maguire, Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland for SSE Renewables, said:
“Coomatallin Wind Farm has contributed to clean energy production in Ireland for two decades, and with this life extension, it will continue playing its important role in renewable energy production to combat climate change. Importantly, due to this consent from Cork County Council, we can continue to provide direct benefits to the local community for many more years to come through our long-standing Community Benefit Fund and contributions to local service through ongoing commercial rates payments.”
For further information on the Coomatallin Wind Farm life-extension project, please visit: Coomatallin | SSE Renewables