An Bord Pleanala has granted final planning permission for the Castlebanny wind project in Kilkenny, in Ireland.
Castlebanny is a 21-turbine co-development project between FuturEnergy Ireland and ART Generation.
The project will now engage with EirGrid to apply for access to the national grid system and continue with the development activities to be eligible to enter subsequent Government Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions.
This phase is likely to take up to two years after which construction can commence.
Paul Gallagher, FuturEnergy Ireland Portfolio Director, said: “While the receipt of planning permission represents an important milestone, we recognise that there is a lot of work remaining to successfully deliver this project with our partner ART Generation.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the local communities of South Kilkenny to harness the project’s potential to contribute significantly towards Ireland’s climate action targets and improve the country’s energy security, while providing social and economic benefits to the local area.”
Based on the Government’s RESS, Castlebanny’s Community Benefit Fund contributions are estimated to exceed €500,000 a year for the first 15 years of operation.
A boost to the local economy is also expected in the form of an estimated €1.8 million to €2.3 million in annual rates contributions to Kilkenny County Council in addition to providing local employment opportunities.