SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland have submitted a planning application for Sheskin South Wind Farm in Co Mayo, to An Bord Pleanála.
The two companies are 50:50 co-development partners for the proposed 21 turbine wind farm which, if approved and constructed as proposed, would have the capacity to generate approximately 126MW of green energy - enough to power 83,000 homes - and offset an estimated 88 million Kg of harmful carbon emissions annually.
As well as the environmental benefits, a significant Community Benefit Fund will be made available to fund local initiatives for the first 15 years of operation at Sheskin South Wind Farm.
It is estimated that the proposed project will create 100-120 jobs during the construction phase. The development will also create significant supply chain opportunities for the area.
The progression of the project is dependent on a final investment decision. A proposed grid connection planning application is scheduled to be submitted to authorities in Q4 2023.
Tom Coleman, development project manager for SSE Renewables, said:
"The construction of Sheskin South Wind Farm would see the project partners investing well in excess of €100 million of capital expenditure in this project.
If planning permission is granted, it will not only contribute to Ireland’s net zero carbon emission targets but also benefit local people through our Community Benefit Fund."
Emmet McLaughlin, Project Manager at FuturEnergy Ireland, said:
“The planning submission for Sheskin South Wind Farm comes at a time when Ireland is in urgent need of renewable energy. This project has the potential to increase Ireland’s supply of clean, green electricity to help hit climate targets, increase energy security and lower fuel bills for everyone.”
Last year, the Sheskin South Wind Farm project team carried out extensive community engagement work to answer queries, provide information and keep people in the local area updated.
Planning application documents can be viewed at sheskinsouthwfplanning.com.
For more information visit sheskinsouthwindfarm.com
