The proposed Fahy Beg windfarm is critical to helping Ireland meet its EU renewable energy target by 2030 and could generate renewable energy for use in the national grid helping to displace thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. It will lead to cheaper electricity, energy security and help Ireland meet its challenging climate change and decarbonisation targets.
The proposed wind farm is located approximately 6km South West of Killaloe and 1.5km North of Bridgetown. The study area comprises lands at Fahy Beg, Fahy More North, Ballymoloney and Ballyknavin townlands and measures approximately 320 hectares.
The majority of the proposed wind farm study area is agricultural and forestry land. These land uses could continue with a wind farm development at the site.
Based on the results of initial investigations it is considered that the proposed wind farm could accommodate up to 8 turbines, each could be up to 180 metres tall (from the turbine base to the top of the turbine blade, when blades are in an upright position). The capacity of each proposed turbine, based on current available technology, could be in the range of 3.5 to 6 MW, resulting in a total estimated capacity for the site of between 28 and 48 MW.
Investment in the proposed Fahy Beg Wind Farm and local communities is expected to be in the region of €30 million over its lifetime.