• Charafenna, Barracashlaun, Co. Letrim, Ireland
  • liaison@charafennawindfarm.com
Contact
Purpose

The purpose of this website is to inform the local community of the proposed wind farm development within the townlands of Barracashlaun and Fenagh in northwest Leitrim. The proposed wind farm is being promoted by ART Generation Ltd, a well established developer experienced in the development, construction and operation of wind farm projects throughout Ireland. It most recently developed three wind farms in Tullaroan and Kilmanagh, Co. Kilkenny and Ballysloe in Co. Tipperary.

Community Benefits

A key feature of the Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is that all successful applicants are required to set up a Community Benefit Fund that focuses on sharing the economic benefits of a wind farm with the local community. For the proposed Charafenna Wind Farm project, these benefits include

Community Benefit
Fund

Establishing a community fund of up to €200,000 annually in the first 15 years of operation that will be administered by a management committee including local community representatives. The management committee will have responsibility for managing the fund-support local projects (e.g. heritage, tourism), clubs, schools, education grants, benevolent funds and energy efficiency programmes.

Supporting development and employment

The proposed wind farm would represent an investment of circa. €60m and would directly bring c.30 jobs to the area at construction stage and support a number of long-term jobs at operational stage.

Supporting rural development

The participation by local landowners is a form of rural diversification that can support farm incomes. Local services, suppliers and products will be used where possible.

Near Neighbourhood Scheme

As part of the Community Benefit Fund, Charafenna Wind Farm are proposing a Near Neighbour Scheme offering an annual contribution towards the domestic electricity costs of households living in the immediate vicinity of the wind farm. Priority will be given to the nearest neighbours who live close to the project.

Environmental Benefits

Displacing fossil fuels and the emissions created is an important benefit of wind energy. Typically, a 35MW wind farm would displace 35 million litres of imported oil and over 300,000 tonnes of imported coal. This prevents up to 1,270,560 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) being produced by fossil fuels over the 40 year life of the wind farm. This project can deliver clean, green renewable electricity. It can help lower Ireland’s carbon footprint, reduce green-house gases, improve air quality, and help to fight climate change. It will also help the Irish Government deliver on its 2030 renewable energy and climate targets and improve energy of security supply.

The Development Proposal

The Developer is proposing to progress a planning application for up to 7 Wind Turbines in Barracashlaun and Fenagh, Co. Leitrim. The Development will also include a Grid Connection from the wind farm site to either Manorhamilton or Corderry substation.

Number of Turbines7
Tip Height (metres)150m to 155m
Site Capacity (MW)28 - 35 MW
Grid ConnectionUnderground Cable

Key Design Considerations

A number of alternative sites, and alternative designs/ layouts were considered before the subject site and current layout was chosen. The key objective of the design process is to develop a proposal that will be suitable in the context of the local area whilst delivering the objectives of The Climate Action Plan 2021. A key consideration is the distance between houses and turbines and whilst the current wind energy development guidelines (2006) stipulate a minimum set back distance of 500m, the setback distances on this project have been increased to at least 600m from houses in the local area.

Another key principle in the design process has been to minimise environmental impacts. The site selection process involved avoiding sensitive sites such as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Natural Heritage Areas. Additional design considerations included the sensitivity of the habitat on the site, archaeological constraints, ground stability and landscape sensitivities.


Notes

Pre-construction / Construction

It typically takes about 12-18 months to construct a wind farm. During this phase, the appointed Community Liaison Officer (CLO) will actively work with the local community to ensure that they are kept up to date with developments and that any queries are appropriately dealt with.

How will the wind turbines be transported?

It is proposed that the turbine components will be transported by road from Killybegs port. This route has been used on numerous occasions to transport wind turbines. A Traffic Management Plan will be developed in consultation with statutory consultees and the local community to minimise impacts from deliveries.

Shadow Flicker

Houses in the vicinity will not experience any shadow flicker as the turbines will have control systems to shutdown turbines when shadow flicker is predicted to occur.

Noise

Great care was taken to ensure that the proposed wind farm was designed so that it adheres to the latest noise regulations for wind energy developments in order to minimise any impacts on the local community.

Additional Sources of Information

Next Steps In Developing The Project?

Environmental surveys have been completed. These have been used to further develop and refine the proposed site design and assess any environmental effects. The Developer will apply to Leitrim County Council for planning permission to develop the proposed wind farm.

ART Generation is committed to being a responsible developer of renewable energy and we strive to be good neighbours in all areas of our work. We encourage as many people as possible to get involved in and to learn more about our projects, maximising the local economic, social and environmental benefits our developments can create locally.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on the Development, then please contact the appointed Community Liaison Officer, at the following e-mail address or alternatively you can view and register your interest at the project website:

Email: liaison@charafennawindfarm.com
Public Information Event

A Public Information Day about the proposed Charafenna Wind Farm will be held on Thursday 10th November 2022 from 4:30pm to 9:00pm in The Glencar Community Centre, Diffreen, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim.

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