Plans lodged for four-turbine wind farm near a town in Tipperary
Plans include four 160-metre wind turbines, a new substation and extensive grid infrastructure
A planning application has been lodged with Tipperary County Council for a new wind farm development near Nenagh.
Coolderry Green Energy Limited is seeking permission for a renewable energy project across a number of townlands including Coolderry, Grenanstown, Ballinamona, Knockbrack, Kilconane, Kilkeary, Ballygasheen, Knockalton Upper, Lisbunny, Tyone and Lissatunney.
The application, submitted on May 29, proposes the construction and operation of four wind turbines. Each turbine would have a tip height of 160 metres, a hub height of 92 metres and a rotor diameter of 136 metres.
The proposed development also includes a permanent 92-metre meteorological mast, temporary and permanent hard-standing areas, crane hardstands and upgrades to existing access infrastructure.
Plans include the upgrading of an existing farm entrance and access track from the R498 regional road at Grenanstown to facilitate both construction and operational access to the site.
The application also provides for the widening and upgrading of internal tracks, the creation of new site access roads and associated drainage works.
A borrow pit would be developed to provide stone material during the construction phase and would subsequently be retained as a permanent material storage area.
Other elements of the proposal include a temporary construction compound with site offices, parking facilities and security fencing.
A permanent 38kV on-site substation is also planned. This would include a control building, electrical infrastructure, welfare facilities, car parking, lighting and security fencing.
Underground electrical and communications cabling would connect the turbines to the proposed substation. An underground grid connection is also proposed between the on-site substation and the existing Nenagh 110kV substation. The route would extend for approximately 8 kilometres, including sections within the wind farm and along the R498 and L5136 roads.
The development would also include biodiversity enhancement areas, landscaping, revegetation works, drainage infrastructure, signage, fencing and other associated site works.
An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement have been submitted as part of the application process.
According to the planning documents, the applicant is seeking a 10-year planning permission period for the project. If approved, the wind farm would have an operational lifespan of 35 years from the date of full commissioning.
The application is being considered under the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III.
The planning authority is due to make a decision on the application by July 23. Public submissions or observations can be made to Tipperary County Council up to July 2.