Wind farm proposal for west Mayo area
A COMPANY exploring a possible wind farm development near Aughagower has begun engaging with the local community about their plans.
DP Energy are behind the proposed Lyra Wind Farm and they have distributed a newsletter to homes outlining their proposals.
A meteorological mast has been installed at Corveagh Upper to monitor wind speed and direction while also recording meteorological conditions on-site. It will remain in situ for a minimum of 15 months.
The project is at a very early stage of development and DP Energy have invited input and comments from the community.
A leading developer of renewable energy projects, DP Energy are headquartered in Cork and operate across the world.
In an information sheet, the company set out how the total development area comprises approximately 1,500 acres in the communities of Liscarney, Aghagower, Ayle and Killavally. The area under investigation is situated in the townlands of Cordarragh South, Corveagh Upper and Teevinish West.
As an operating wind farm occupies a relatively small portion of an overall site area, approximately 4% footprint, many of the existing land uses can co-exist such as commercial forestry, farming, recreation, and biodiversity management.
At this stage of development, the project has a potential capacity of up to 100 MW of clean renewable power. Until investigative surveys and environmental assessments are complete this figure is an indicative capacity amount.
Multiple survey works have already begun with ornithological surveys underway since March 2021. The wind turbine area is free from any Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, and Natural Heritage Areas.
Discussions are ongoing with landowners and stakeholders in the townlands, while land agreements have already been secured with several private landowners.
The wind turbine model for this project has not yet been decided but early indications suggest turbines with a 180m to 200m tip height, with each having an individual power output of between 5 and 6 MW.
Furthermore, the wind farm will likely connect to the grid network at Westport. This connection will be through an underground cable running along a public road route.
Different route selections are currently under consideration.
If the project is successfully constructed, DP Energy says it will work with the communities to establish a local committee and administration to plan and manage a community benefit fund.
People are invited to engage with the company through stakeholder and community liaison manager Lisa Enright at (087) 6345691 or lyrawindfarm@dpenergy.com.