Plans lodged for wind farm in Tipperary that could power more than 20,000 homes
A proposed four-turbine wind farm in north Tipperary could generate enough electricity to power more than 20,000 homes and businesses, under plans submitted to Tipperary County Council.
Coolderry Green Energy Limited applied to the council for planning permission to establish a wind farm outside Nenagh.
The plans would see four wind turbines installed, as well as a 38kV substation, welfare facilities, car parking, security fencing and lighting.
Planning is also being sought for works for the underground grid connection extending from the proposed substation on the site to the existing Nenagh substation.
The development would span lands across several townlands outside Nenagh, including Coolderry, Grenanstown and Ballinamona.
Access to the site from the R498 road will also be upgraded as part of the project, allowing vehicles to safely enter and exit the site as required.
The turbines would be operational for 35 years after their installation, according to planning files submitted with the application.
According to the planning files, the site that the development will sit on is considered as being “open to consideration” for wind energy under the Tipperary County Development Plan.
According to a planning report commissioned by Coolderry Green Energy, “the lands are capable of accommodating a wind energy development without giving rise to significant adverse effects.”
“The development design has undergone an extensive engineering and environmental analysis and has been informed by consultation with the public and relevant bodies,” an agent acting on behalf of the company said.
Planning reports also state that the land is currently being used for farming.
“The site comprises primarily of fields of intensively managed agricultural grassland, currently being used for livestock grazing,” planning files say.
The project would help Tipperary to meet its target of increasing the amount of renewable energy created within the county, they added, as well as helping Ireland to meet its climate obligations.
Coolderry Green Energy are an Irish-owned company, based in Adare, Limerick, and specialise in setting up green energy developments, according to their website.
Coolderry’s application is one of a number of separate wind energy developments that have been planned for the county in recent months.
In April, Brittas Windfarm Limited were granted permission for a 10-turbine wind farm three kilometres outside the town of Thurles, while plans for Carrow Wind Farm in mid Tipperary were discussed at the last plenary meeting of the local authority.
Tipperary County Council is due to decide on Coolderry’s application by July 23.