Massive 271 hectare wind farm development planned for scenic area of Kilkenny
Plans have been unveiled for a huge 271 hectare windfarm in a scenic part of south Kilkenny.
Springfield Renewables has applied to An Bord Pleanála seeking permission to develop a 21 turbine wind farm on lands at Castlebanny between Mullinavat and Inistioge.
They are seeking to have the project approved as a Strategic Infrastructural Development (SID), which would allow them to fast-track the project without having to apply to Kilkenny County Council
The turbines, if the development is approved, will have a maximum blade tip height of up to 185m.
The developers are seeking a 10-year planning permission period and a 35-year operational licence for the project.
A 100mt high meteorological mast is also being applied for as part of the project.
The 271-hectare development will, if granted permission, be set in an area mostly covered by forest between the villages of Ballyhale, Mullinavat, Inistioge, and Hugginstown.
Springfield Renewables are applying for SID status, which would mean the development would be considered of strategic economic or social importance to the State or a region.
A SID application also means the developers do not have to apply directly to the county council for permission.
An Bord Pleanála’s decision on the project is expected by August.
Save the South Leinster Way says:
Thank you for the article and information on the large scale wind farm proposed for between Inistioge and Mullinavat. The area of the proposed site is 1,400 hectares and not 271 hectares as stated in the article.
The proposed site is approx. 7km long x 2km wide. 1,400 hectares (3,459 acres) and this does not include road or grid connection land areas.