Press release
FuturEnergy Ireland is exploring the potential for an onshore wind farm in Co. Waterford. The proposed renewable energy development is located 4km northeast of Cappoquin in an area known as Scart Mountain.
The proposed Scart Mountain Wind Farm is in the early stages of development. The project team is undertaking initial site studies and environmental assessments which will inform a preliminary design layout, the results of which will be shared with the local community as soon as they are available. This will be followed by in-depth studies on topics including hydrology, ecology, landscape, noise, shadow flicker, telecoms, traffic, soil and archeology alongside further community engagement activities. The results of these studies and engagements will be used to inform an appropriate final turbine layout that will be submitted to planning, for independent review by An Bord Pleanála.
This week, two local Community Liaison Officers, John O’Halloran and Liam Cleary, are introducing the project to the community. As part of their engagement, the first project newsletter is being distributed to houses in the vicinity of the project site. The Community Liaison Officers are available to answer any queries about the project in person, by telephone or via email. This marks the start of a comprehensive community engagement programme that will include newsletter and website updates, a webinar and a community engagement clinic, giving local community members an opportunity to learn about and discuss the project with the team.
In light of the energy crisis, which is threatening electricity supply and hiking energy costs, the Government is calling for a rapid increase in the construction of renewable energy projects to support our national requirements and reduce costs for consumers. The Scart Mountain project has the potential to make a meaningful contribution by utilising Ireland’s natural resources to provide low-cost electricity to the national grid.
The FuturEnergy Ireland team has a strong track record of developing and delivering projects exclusively in Ireland, and is excited to explore the full potential of the Scart Mountain project, including the important benefits the project could bring to Co. Waterford. Once operational, the project would provide a substantial local Community Benefit Fund and significant rates contributions to Waterford County Council. It also has the potential to provide recreational amenities and employment opportunities.
Emer Campbell, Project Developer for the proposed Scart Mountain Wind Farm, said: “Ireland urgently needs more renewable energy. The summer brought heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and floods, many of which have been linked to global warming. Increasing the amount of wind energy is critical to achieving 80% of renewable electricity by 2030 and slowing down climate change. Adding to this pressure, as winter approaches, we are facing the prospect of soaring energy bills. Wind energy projects such as Scart Mountain are vital if we are to achieve greater security of supply, lessen Ireland’s reliance on imported and expensive fossil fuels, and improve price stability in our energy system.
“We will openly and actively engage with the community and local representatives throughout the consultation process. That is our commitment to the community. Our aim is to develop responsible wind energy projects in a way that is good for us, good for society and good for our neighbours.”
If you have a query about the Scart Mountain Wind Farm proposal or require more information, please call Community Liaison Officers John O’Halloran on 087 742 7293 or Liam Cleary on 087 967 1981, or email scartmountain@futurenergyireland.ie. For regular updates visit www.scartmountainwindfarm.ie.
Editor’s Notes
About FuturEnergy Ireland
FuturEnergy Ireland is a joint venture company owned on a 50:50 basis by Coillte and ESB that is actively driving Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy. The company’s ambition is to develop more than 1GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and make a significant contribution to Ireland’s commitment to produce 80% of electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade. www.futurenergyireland.ie
Press queries
For press queries, please contact Janine Thomas, Communications and Media Manager at FuturEnergy Ireland, on Janine.thomas@futurenergyireland.ie
