Project Overview
In 2024, BnM and SSE Renewables, two leading low-carbon energy providers, announced their formation of a joint venture to develop a series of onshore wind energy projects. As part of this joint venture, it is proposed to develop a wind farm on Bellair North and Bellair South Bogs located in Counties Offaly and Westmeath. The proposed wind farm will be known as Bellair Wind Farm.
The proposed development will contribute towards the goals set out in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024 and will also offer new economic opportunities across the region. Working together, both companies will leverage their extensive expertise, resources, and presence across Ireland to generate positive outcomes for communities, local economies and climate change. The partnership will have strong commitments to community investment, delivering new public amenities where possible, and contributing to biodiversity net gain across all sites.
The draft layout comprises 12 turbines, each with a maximum blade tip height of 220 metres.
The draft layout comprises 12 turbines.
The draft layout comprises 12 turbines, each with a maximum blade tip height of 220 metres.
A visual amenity setback distance, of 4 times the tip height, between a wind turbine and the nearest residential property is proposed, subject to a mandatory minimum setback of 500 metres.
It is envisaged that a planning application will be lodged in mid-2027 for the proposed development. For most large-scale projects, a key consideration is whether a development is Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) or not? Energy infrastructure which is considered SID includes: “An installation for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (a wind farm) with more than 25 turbines or having a total output greater than 50 megawatts”.
The Project Team will need to go through a preplanning consultation process with An Bord Pleanála to determine with certainty who the consenting authority will be. Irrespective of the Consenting Authority, it is our view that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be required as supporting documentation to the planning application. To learn more about the SID process please visit: www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/strategic-infrastructure-development
The electricity generated by the turbines will be transmitted directly onto Ireland’s National Grid which is managed by EirGrid for distribution around the country. The proposed development will make a significant contribution to Irelands Climate Action Plan 2024, which has a set a target of 9GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030.