Farmers behind the plans for big Clare wind farm, creating upto 300 jobs
Plans have been
announced for the country’s largest community wind farm to be developed
on Mount Callan in County Clare. The project represents an investment
of €200m, and will be capable of meeting the energy needs of all of
Clare and half of County Limerick.
30 farm families will have the biggest shareholding in the new
company – West Clare Renewable Energy – which is behind the project.
They collectively own more than 3,000 acres of mostly elevated land
on Mount Callan – between Ennis and Miltown Malbay – where it is
planned to construct 30 three megawatt wind turbines. 300 jobs are
expected to be provided during the two and a half year construction
phase.
Efforts to develop a wind farm in the Mount Callan area has been
going on for 15 years. Local landowner John Talty said the plan was
designed to create long-term sustainable employment , reverse
depopulation in the area, and help struggling farmers to secure an
alternative form of income.
The project is also in line with Government plans to invest in
cleaner energy sources. Ireland is currently 90% dependent on fossil
fuels for electricity generation, and spends several billion euro each
year on imported fuels.