Plans submitted for a revised eight-turbine wind farm in Waterford
Plans for the wind farm have previously faced pushback from local community groups
Knocknamona Windfarm Limited submitted revised plans to Waterford City and County Council with hopes of developing an eight-turbine inland wind farm in West Waterford.
The development would see turbines with a maximum tip height of 159m spread across the general area of Knocknaglogh.
The plans for the windfarm had been provisionally approved by An Comisúin Pleanála in 2016 and 2022. Revisions in the new plans would see a four metre higher tip height.
Developers have estimated that the wind farm will generate approximately 100 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year, enough to supply 48,611 houses.
The development would see the felling of 29.8 hectares of forestry. A 90m lattice tower meteorological mast would be constructed along with underground cabling that links the wind turbines together.
A substation would be constructed that would include two control buildings alongside indoor and outdoor electrical equipment and apparatus.
Ancillary works outline plans for a surface water drainage system and widening of an existing forestry entrance to create the main windfarm entrance.
A surface water drainage system, two temporary borrow pits and a temporary site compound would also be introduced.
The Community Benefit Fund for the project is estimated to be around €200,000. The fund would be distributed annually over the lifetime of the windfarm.
Knocknamona Windfarm Ltd said the site was chosen due to its sparse human population – just six houses lie within 1km of the Knocknamona wind turbines. The nearest house is 689m to the south of the windfarm.
A representative from Knocknamona Windfarm called to meet the householders prior to lodging the planning application and update them on the developments of the windfarm.
According to the proposal, there are no community facilities in close proximity to the windfarm site.
If planning is granted by the Council, the construction phase of a windfarm would typically commence within 1-2 years.
Windfarm operational phases are typically limited by planning conditions of 30-35 years.
Waterford Council will come to a decision by May 3, with submissions open until April 12.
