New substation planned for Laois wind farm

A developer is to seek planning permission for a substation to support a proposed new wind farm straddling the Laois and Offaly border. 

Statkraft Ireland has announced its intention to apply for permission for the substation as Strategic Infrastructure development, meaning the proposal goes directly to An Bord Pleanala for the development which would suport the Dernacart Wind Farm near Mountmellick and Portarlington. Statkraft say the wind turbines were granted permission in January but the decision is now under Judicial Review. 

The substation will support the wind farm which, according to the Dernacart project website,  consists of eight wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 185 metres and could generate 40MW, or enough electricity to power 30,000 homes. They estimate the project will deliver a community benefit fund of €250,000 annually. 

Statkraft gave notice of its intention to “make an application for permission to An Bord Pleanála in relation to the following proposed development in townlands Barranaghs, Garryhinch, Annamore in County Offaly and Forest Upper, Forest Lower, Coolnavarnoga, Coolaghy, Kilbride, Ballymorris, Cooltederry and Bracklone Co Laois.” 

The development includes a 110kV substation, a two single storey control and operational buildings, electrical plant, 2.45 kilometres of underground cabling between the wind farm and the substation and 10.85 kilometres of underground 110kV cabling between the 110kV substation and an approved substation in Bracklone. 

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.  

Picture above: An image from Statkraft's Dernacart project website

The substation plans will be available at the offices of Laois County Council, Offaly County Council and An Bord Pleanala from Monday, October 14. 

Details of the project can also be found on the developer’s project website at https://dernacartwindfarmsid.ie/