The proposed development will give rise to a range of benefits at different levels. At a Local Level, benefits arising from the construction and operation of the proposed Derryfadda Wind Farm project will include:

• A Community Benefit Fund.
• 100 to 120 jobs at peak construction, followed by a number of long term, high quality technical jobs in operations and maintenance.
• Substantial commercial rates paid to Galway County Council, and investment in the wider economy through tax and exchequer contributions.
• Upgrades to the road infrastructure in the vicinity of the wind farm (as required).
• Indirect employment created through the sub-supply of a wide range of products and services.

At a Regional Level, the new development will help to supply the rising demand for electricity, resulting from renewed economic growth in the region. During construction, additional employment will be created in the region through the supply of services and materials to the wind farm.

At a National Level, the new development will play a significant role in contributing to the country’s national renewable electricity production and carbon emissions reduction targets by 2030, while also supporting a growing economy and population. During operation, the wind farm will eliminate the need to generate the equivalent amount of electricity from fossil fuels, and it will therefore help to reduce total national greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, it will reduce our dependence on external energy sources, help improve our energy security of supply and make a major contribution to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024, which has set a target of 9GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030.

A high-level amenity plan will accompany the planning application, and we would welcome any feedback or proposals the community may have with respect of this.

The proposed Derryfadda Wind Farm will include the construction of new access roads to install and maintain the wind turbines. The project team will seek to utilise these new access roads (where possible) as a basis for most of the proposed trails for walking and cycling. 

A good example of one of Bord na Móna's existing wind farm amenity facilities is Mountlucas Wind Farm in North Offaly. The site consists of over 20km walkway / cycleway around the wind farm in addition to interpretative signage, outdoor exercise equipment and a learning hub which is utilised by various school and college groups for educational purposes and day trips.

For more information, please click here.

Another example is SSE Renewables Galway Wind Way, a range of recreational trails at Galway Wind Park. The 48km of trails across six distinct routes through the wind farm include a wheelchair accessible route and take you through the heart of Connemara. While exploring the routes, walkers can learn how the landscape of the Cloosh Valley has changed over hundreds of years.

For more information, please click here.