SSE is submitting a planning application to Cork County Council to extend the operational life of its Coomatallin wind farm near Dunmanway for another 20 years.
If approved it means the 6MW, four-turbine operation would continue generating clean energy until 2046.
The wind farm, which is located 7km south of Dunmanway and 4km east of Drinagh, has been operating since early 2006.
According to SSE Coomatallin generates enough renewable energy to power over 4,000 Irish homes annually while displacing another 4,000 tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The original planning permission limits the life of the wind farm to 20 years from when it was first commissioned.
The planning application does not propose any changes to the number or size of the turbines at the wind farm.
SSE Renewables has paid out a total of almost €2m to local communities and projects based near its three Cork wind farms since 2006. This includes the Irish Community Air Ambulance.
The funding is part of a scheme which sees the firm donate to local communities. Projects within a 20km radius of a wind farm are entitled to seek cash from the company.
SSE points out that Coomatallin’s continued operation would also ensure it maintains its positive economic and social impact within the local community and the wider county.
A positive planning decision would mean Community Funding from Coomatallin would continue to benefit local groups and good causes in the vicinity of the wind farm for its extended lifetime.
Ciaran Maguire of SSE Renewables, said: ‘Coomatallin wind farm has been generating clean, home-grown energy in West Cork since 2006, and with this proposed life extension it has the potential to continue supporting Ireland’s ambitious climate and energy targets well into the future.
‘Just as importantly, securing an extended operational life would allow us to sustain the positive impact of the Coomatallin Community Fund, ensuring that local groups and initiatives in West Cork can continue to benefit for many more years to come.’
Once the contribution from the 2025 fund is distributed, it will have contributed nearly €290,000 to community groups within 20km of the wind farm.
SSE said if permission is granted commercial rates payments to Cork County Council would continue, providing further financial contributions towards services in Cork such as roads, local infrastructure and public services.
For more information on the proposed life extension of Coomatallin Wind Farm, please visit: sserenewables.com/coomatallin
