Longford County Council planners are assessing wind turbine planning application

Longford County Council planners are assessing a planning application for a two 200 metre tall wind energy converters in the townlands of Cloonanny Glebe, Corragarrow, Derryharrow and Gorteenorna, Longford.

Natural Forces Renewable Energy 2 Ltd, a private independent power producer that delivers renewable energy projects in partnership with local communities across Canada, Ireland and France, made the application last week.

They are seeking a ten-year permission for the development on lands measuring 17.28ha.

The proposed development will consist of the demolition of a single-storey derelict shed structure to facilitate the turbine haul route and the construction of two E175 EP5 wind energy converters, each with an electrical rating of 7MW.

The overall ground-to-blade tip height will be 199.9 metres, with a rotor blade diameter of 175 metres, a hub height of 112.4 metres, and all associated foundations and hard-standing areas.

Natural Forces Renewable hopes to construct an 800m permanent internal site access road which will run from the L50462 to the wind energy converter hardstanding areas including a 9.1m clear span bridge crossing a local stream.

The are also seeking permission to construct a 32 metre tall meteorological mast, associated foundation and hardstanding area.

The application includes the construction of a 20kV substation compound comprising two modular buildings, a battery energy storage system (BESS) comprising three storage modules on reinforced concrete plinths.

To facilitate the development they hope to temporarily alter the L5046 and L50462 public roads and allow temporary access roads to facilitate the turbine component haul route, including temporary widening of sections of the L5046 and L50462.

The plans seek permission to install underground collector circuit and communications cabling in underground cable trenches, from the proposed wind energy converter to the proposed on-site substation.

All associated and ancillary site development, excavation, construction, and reinstatement works, including the provision of a temporary construction compound, site drainage, spoil management, fencing, lighting, hedge and tree trimming and cutting and operational maintenance are included in the application.

The application is seeking a 35- year operational life from the date of commissioning of the entire wind farm. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development at the L5046 and L50462, in the townlands of Cloonanny Glebe, Corragarrow, Derryharrow and Gorteenorna , Co. Longford

Longford county council planners anticipate reaching a decision by February 13, 2025.

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