EDF Renewables Ireland announces plans for c.50MW Clare wind farm

EDF Renewables Ireland is announcing plans to develop a c.50MW wind farm on land to the east of Broadford in Co. Clare. The proposed Lackareagh Wind Farm, which could power more than 35,000 homes*, will be located in the townlands of Killeagy and Shannaknock. 

The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine layout. Detailed environmental studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments. The results of these studies, together with feedback gathered in consultation with local communities, will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and number of turbines. 

EDF Renewables Ireland intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project, which could consist of up to seven turbines, to Clare County Council in early 2023.

Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2026. A Community Benefit Fund commensurate with the size of the final project will be established to provide funding for local community initiatives and activities. 

EDF Renewables Ireland is committed to keeping local people informed about its projects and a public consultation event will take place as the Lackareagh Wind Farm progresses. This will be either online or in a local venue, depending on Covid-19 guidelines.

Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Daly, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “With the effects of the climate crisis becoming ever more visible, projects like Lackareagh Wind Farm are more important than ever. Ireland has ambitious targets to deliver 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade, and onshore wind is the most efficient means of achieving this. 

“The project will also deliver significant investment in the area in the form of the Community Benefit Fund and rates, which will provide funding for local initiatives and activities.

“As the project progresses we’ll be working closely with local residents and the wider community in East Clare, and the County Council, to keep them updated and informed on how Lackareagh Wind Farm will benefit the local area.”

Notes to editors
* SEAI Energy in Ireland Report, December 2020, Section.7.3.1, Table.33

For further information please contact:
David Clancy, External Affairs Manager, EDF Renewables Ireland
Email: david.clancy@edf-re.ie
Phone: 087 172 2762

About EDF Renewables Ireland
EDF Renewables Ireland is part of one of the world’s largest electricity companies and our investment and innovation in renewable energy projects is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits to communities. 

EDF Renewables Ireland’s team has a wealth of experience in bringing complex development projects to fruition, across onshore and offshore wind, solar PV and battery storage technology, and is supported by more than 300 colleagues in the UK. 

In 2020 we acquired 50% of Codling Wind Park, a major offshore wind farm which will be located off the coast of Co. Wicklow, with a dedicated team who have begun developing the project, and 100% of Wexford Solar, which includes eight solar projects across Ireland. In total we have an Irish onshore development pipeline of almost 1GW.

In the UK, EDF Renewables an operating portfolio of 36 wind farms and two battery storage units (together totalling almost 1GW).

EDF Renewables operates in more than 20 countries around the world.