Renewable energy giant plans to build wind farm in Milltownpass

One of Europe's largest renewable energy firms wants to build a wind farm in Milltownpass.

According to the Statkraft Ireland's project booklet for Milltownpass Wind Farm, the firm plans to construct seven 195m wind turbines with "zero shadow flicker" on a site in the townland of Milltownpass. If the project goes ahead, the firm says that it will generate enough energy for around 29,000 homes.

Statkraft says that the location was chosen "following a review of areas that could provide suitable set back distances from houses, satisfy environmental considerations and allow for the development of a project which was appropriate for the local area".

According to the developers, the set back distance from the nearest houses will be four times the 195m tip height of the turbines.

If the project goes ahead, Statkraft says that the local community would benefit from a Community Benefit Fund of up to €240,000 per year during the operational lifespan of the wind farm.

Statkraft says that the planning application is scheduled to be submitted this summer and that if it gets the green light, the project would be operational in 2025.

Statkraft is also the firm behind plans to construct a wind farm in the Coole area. An Bord Pleanala's decision to overturn Westmeath County Council's planning refusal is the subject of two High Court challenges, one from local opposition group, the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group, and the other from environmental activist Peter Sweetman.