New 17-Turbine Wind Farm in Limerick Promises 80+ Jobs and Clean Energy

Developer Says Project Could Bring More Than 80 New Jobs

Ballinlee Green Energy is developing plans for a large wind farm with 17 turbines in County Limerick. The company has started discussions with An Bord Pleanála and other agencies regarding this project, which will span various townlands in the Bruff and Dromin-Athlacca areas.

If the project proceeds, it is expected to create over 80 jobs. Additionally, there will be a community benefit fund providing €350,000 annually. The wind farm could supply clean energy for around 42,000 homes each year, while also reducing carbon emissions by approximately 175,000 tonnes each year.

Ballinlee Green Energy has announced that, although the project is still in the early pre-planning stages, a public engagement process will begin in the new year. A spokesperson stated, “The global community is facing an urgent climate crisis, and the transition to renewable energy sources is essential to mitigate its impact.”

The spokesperson highlighted that this wind farm is one of several renewable energy projects across Ireland aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting harmful emissions.

The designated site includes the townlands of Ballincurra, Ballinlee South, Ballingayrour, Ballinbea, Knockuregare, Ballinlee North, and Camas South, which have been marked as ‘preferred’ for wind energy development in the local council’s latest development plan.

Sinn Féin councillor PJ Carey, representing Cappamore-Kilmallock, appreciates that pre-planning meetings are taking place but expressed a preference for placing wind farms in remote areas like mountains. He concluded, “Ultimately, they do reduce fossil fuel and energy imports. So it is the way to go.”