Energy convertor planned for Ballyconnell

Maximum rotor height of 168.125m

The green light has been given for the construction of a near 170-metre tall wind energy converter on the outskirts of Ballyconnell.

Dublin-registered private independent power producer Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd were given the go ahead by council planners in respect of their application to erect one Enercon 138 wind energy converter on a 99 metre tower with three blades of a diameter of 138.25m.

That means a maximum rotor height of 168.125m.

Also contained in the application are plans to construct an on-site 20kV substation and underground electrical cable, together with all associated site development and ancillary works.

Application

As part of their application Natural Forces submitted a shadow flicker report detailing how modelled results identified two “receptors” exceeding the 30 minute per day or 30 hours per year limit.

They say a shadow flicker shutdown system will be installed I the turbine.

And furthermore, in a separate risk collision report state for birds in the area reported a “low” risk for all species recorded flying nearby., or one buzzard every 11 years (2.64 buzzards over an assumed 30 year turbine lifespan) in total.

Also assessed was the level of noise to be generated, and Natural Forces say no mitigation measures are required.

Permission was granted with a total of 24 conditions attached.