Coillte and ESB receive planning permission for wind project in County Wicklow

Tuesday 28th September 2010

Coillte and ESB Wind Development today announce that planning permission has been granted for their joint initiative to develop a 27.5 megawatt wind farm at Raheenleagh in Co. Wicklow.

Coillte and ESB Wind Development each have a 50% share in the Raheenleagh Wind Energy Project which will comprise 11 turbines, each generating approximately 2.5MW.  It is anticipated that the wind farm will generate the equivalent of 17,000 homes' annual electricity consumption.

Commenting on the announcement, David Gunning, Chief Executive of Coillte said: "We're delighted to get another wind farm project underway. We have a further five projects to submit for planning this year and two more in 2011. As the country's largest landowner, Coillte is in a unique position to deliver strategic projects of this nature, working with a number of significant  partners, including ESB. Projects like these are also helping Ireland meet national policy and renewable energy objectives."

ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus said: "The development of this wind farm at Raheenleagh indicates ESB's commitment to investment in renewables and is another step in transforming ESB into a carbon neutral company.  We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with Coillte through the development of this project."

Ends

For further information please contact:

 

Tom Byrne
Head of Corporate Communications 
Coillte
Tel: +353 1 201 5231 / +353 86 810 4224
tom.byrne@coillte.ie

   

Brian Montayne
Corporate Communications Manager
ESB
Tel.: +353 1 7027309/+353 87 8211715
brian.montayne@esb.ie