The Proposed Project
The proposed renewable energy project is located approximately 3km southwest of Inistioge and 10km northeast of Mullinavat. The current Study Area comprises lands at Garrandarragh, Ballykenna, Ballyvool, Bohilla and Inistioge townlands and measures approximately 294 hectares. The majority of the proposed Study Area is agricultural and forestry land. This area is classified in the Kilkenny County Development Plan 2021-2027, as being within an area that is ‘’open for consideration’’ for wind energy project development. The Study Area is being considered for wind turbine and solar PV potential.
Empower Renewables’ project selection process initially starts with desk-based screening of the general area which identifies all constraints which are required to establish a feasible Study Area. This includes but is not limited to, buffers off all existing eircode's utilising the most recent eircode data, buffers off all designated environmental areas of importance, national monuments, existing and planned renewable developments, existing grid infrastructure, hydrological features and many more. Once areas of interest are established, we focus on areas with close proximity to grid, and areas designated favourably in the county development plans.
Following this initial screening process, feasibility studies are carried out by independent planning consultants, grid experts and wind analysts to further inform the Study Area suitability.
Based on the results of these initial investigations it is considered that this general area in principle has capacity for a renewable energy project pending further study.
The Study Area is not located within a Natura 2000 site i.e. Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protection Area (SPA) nor a Natural Heritage Area (NHA).
The Study Area achieves suitable distances from dwellings in line with government guidelines
The Study Area has suitable grid connection capacity and grid connection options in the wider area
There are suitable turbine component delivery options via national and regional road networks in the wider area
The Study Area is classified in the Kilkenny County Development Plan 2021-2027, as being within an area that is ‘’open for consideration’’ for wind energy development
Project Next Steps
Proceed with an environmental and engineering consultant to complete a detailed environmental assessment which will culminate in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR). The EIAR is a document that describes the proposed project and assesses its potential effects on the environment and local community. It ensures that any sensitive areas are protected throughout the project’s design process and forms part of the planning submission to the consenting authority.
Commence detailed on-site wind measurement by erecting a meteorological mast to measure the potential wind speeds available in the area. This met mast is a temporary structure that will be put in place for approximately 18 months, to accurately measure wind speeds within the Study Area, after which time the mast will be removed.
Carry out a scoping consultation with numerous statutory and non-statutory organisations, including National Parks and Wildlife, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Telecommunication providers, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Kilkenny County Council, Fáilte Ireland, The Aviation Authority plus many more.
Progress detailed grid connection and transport delivery route viability assessments.
This project proposal will evolve based on the above-mentioned expert design input across the Study Area as well as input from the local community.
Study Area Map
Project Road Map
Study Area Identified
4th Quarter 2023
Ornithological Studies Commenced
4th Quarter 2023
Initial Desk-based Assessments
2nd Quarter 2024
Community Consultation Commenced
1st Quarter 2025
Detailed Environmental Assessments Start
1st Quarter 2025
Planning Application Submission
2nd Quarter 2026