Key Questions

What is the area of the proposed wind development site?

The proposed site area is 21-hectares. This site is potentially suitable for 3 wind turbines.

Why was this site selected?

This site has been designated as an open to consideration area by Clare County Council as part of the Clare County Development Plan 2017 – 2023 (Renewable Energy Designation) due to its strategic regional and national importance and the favourable conditions for wind energy generation.

What size are the wind turbines expected to be?

The proposed overall height of the turbines (tower plus blade) is expected to be up to 160 meters.

What is the timeline for the project?

Moanmore Lower Green Energy has commenced its community engagement programme and will advance its Environmental Impact Assessment of the site with a view to submitting its planning application during 2022. Subject to approval, work is expected to be completed on site, with the development fully connected to the national grid by 2025.

What is the expected lifespan of the project?

The designed lifetime of an onshore wind farm is expected to be 25-30 years.

What is the expected reduction in carbon emissions from this project?

This project will reduce carbon emissions from more than 7,500 households each year. That is equivalent to 8,000 tonnes of carbon emission reduction per year.

Is there noise from the wind turbines?

The evolution of wind farm technology over the past decade has greatly reduced noise from wind turbines, with the main sound being the aerodynamic swoosh of the blades passing the tower. There are strict guidelines in the planning regulations on wind turbines noise emissions to ensure the protection of residential amenity. A comprehensive noise monitoring regime will be undertaken to ensure the proposed development complies with regulations.

As part of the planning process, Moanmore Lower Green Energy will ensure the project is constructed and operated to minimise noise. We will conduct extensive tests during the planning process to demonstrate that the proposed turbines will not exceed legislated noise levels. During the site optimisation process the wind turbine layout will be designed so that noise levels at nearby residential properties are not in breach of national planning guidelines. The World Health Organisation has published its Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region in which recommendations are made for wind turbine noise. The recommended level of noise produced should be below 45 dB. The current guidelines in Ireland and the UK, which are in line with international best practice, are set at between 35 and 45-dB dependant on the time of day and background noise.

Sources:

World Health Organisation – https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/environment-and-health/noise/environmental-noise-guidelines-for-the-european-region

IAC Acoustics – https://www.iacacoustics.com/blog-full/comparative-examples-of-noise-levels.html

What is Shadow Flicker and how is it dealt with?

Shadow flicker refers to when the blades of a wind turbine pass between the sun and the observer, planning guidelines require that any effects of shadow flicker be mitigated by installing solar sensors on the turbine which automatically shut down the turbine during times of possible shadow flicker.

Has Moanmore Lower Green Energy contacted landowners in the area?

Yes. The team has already engaged with landowners in the area and are commencing an extensive engagement and consultation process with a view to submitting a planning application for the project

Can you outline how you will inform the local community on the progress of the project and community engagement activities?

Our Community Engagement process will include house to house visits, meeting with local elected representatives, and regular updates via this website.

Can you explain how you intend to engage with the local community?

Our Community Engagement process will involve open discussions with local residents and interested parties, with the outcome of these discussions being used to help maximise the benefits of the project for the community.

Moanmore Lower Green Energy is committed to creating a wind energy development that is socially responsible and provides a substantial community benefit fund where community participation plays a central role.

What is the timeline for construction and generation of renewable electricity at the Moanmore Lower site?

Following the approval process, construction is expected to begin on site in 2025 with a view to completing the development and supplying renewable electricity by 2026 – supporting Ireland’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Why are you developing onshore wind farms?

Onshore wind energy projects such as Moanmore Lower Green Energy form a key part of the Government’s plan to enhance clean electricity generation, meet Ireland’s environmental targets and move to a more secure indigenous energy future.

What impact will the project have on carbon emissions?

Once the project is operational, it is estimated that a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 7,500 tonnes of CO2 per year will be achieved.

Is Moanmore Lower Green Energy an Irish owned company?

Moanmore Lower Green Energy is an Irish owned renewable energy company.

How can local residents share their views about the project?

The project team can be contacted using the contact details below.

Will residents be notified when the planning application has been lodged?

This website will be updated regularly with important project milestones including lodgement of the planning application.

Will this project pay commercial rates to the Local Authority and how much will this be?

Yes. When operational, the commercial rates paid by Moanmore Lower Green Energy to Clare County Council will support the provision of local services. Based on current estimates this will be approximately €130,000 per annum.

How will the project support employment?

The project will support employment in the energy supply and construction/maintenance sectors, creating in excess of 25 direct and indirect jobs, based on estimates from the SEAI.

Will the project support local jobs and contractors?

The team is committed to working with local suppliers where possible to source engineering works, materials, equipment hire and catering.

What are the benefits of onshore wind versus offshore wind?

Onshore wind has a proven performance history of being the most cost-effective option in Ireland due to our location on the edge of Europe.

The development phase of offshore wind projects is significantly longer than other renewable energy projects due to the hostile environment of the sea. Securing offshore wind projects and grid connection can pose significant challenges.

Onshore wind offers additional benefits such as the significant investment it brings to local communities. Benefits range from increased jobs to financial support for community projects that are yet to be realised through offshore wind energy developments.

What does this mean for the local community?

The local community stands to gain significant social and economic benefits through the Moanmore Lower Green Energy Project Community Benefit Fund.

What is the Community Benefit Fund?

All renewable electricity generation projects (“RESS Projects”) must establish a Community Benefit Fund to be used for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community.

What is RESS?

RESS is the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in Ireland. It is a pivotal component of the National Energy and Climate Plan and is essential for achieving Ireland’s 70% renewable electricity target by 2030.

RESS provides support to renewable electricity projects in Ireland. With a primary focus on cost effectiveness, the RESS delivers a broader range of policy objectives, including:

  • an Enabling Framework for Community Participation through the provision of pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects
  • increasing technology diversity by broadening the renewable electricity technology mix
  • delivering an ambitious renewable electricity policy to 2030
  • increasing energy security, energy sustainability and ensuring the cost effectiveness of energy policy
What is the contribution from this project?

The contribution is to be set at €2 per Megawatt hour of generation of the RESS Project. This means there are real and quantifiable funds being made available annually for the benefit of the local community.

How much is the estimated value of the Community Benefit Fund?

In line with Community Benefit Fund Guidelines, governed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and based on the current project scope, Ballykett Green Energy will generate a Community Benefit Fund estimated at €1.1 million over the first 15 years of operation. A conservative estimate values the Fund at approximately €75,000 per annum.

How is the Fund managed and distributed?

Moanmore Lower Green Energy will work in partnership with residents in the local area to form a committee to oversee the administration of the Community Benefit Fund. The committee will be established once the project successfully completes the planning permission process.

Can you provide a breakdown of the Fund for this project?

The Community Benefit Fund, estimated at approximately €75,000 per annum, will be allocated in accordance with guidelines, as follows: