Pre-construction works on the 58MW Drumnahough Wind Farm to start

SSE and FuturEnergy Ireland have announced the start of pre-construction works on the 58MW Drumnahough Wind Farm in Donegal ahead of entering full construction in the coming weeks.

A statement from SSE said: "Delivery of new renewable energy generation at Drumnahough marks another important contribution by co-development partners SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland towards Ireland’s Climate Action Plan commitments.

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"Completion of the wind farm will represent a €120 million investment by the project partners, delivery of which is led by SSE.

"When fully operational, Drumnahough Wind Farm will bring Ireland another step closer to meeting its 2030 renewables and decarbonisation targets and to assisting the State’s security of supply goals.

"Drumnahough Wind Farm will be constructed in rural upland Donegal, 13km from Letterkenny and in the townlands of Treankeel, Meenadaura, Carrickalangan and Cark. The onshore wind farm will comprise 12 wind turbines, as well as an associated substation and wind farm access roads. The project is close to the SSE-FuturEnergy Ireland joint venture Lenalea Wind Farm, which began operating in late 2023, in addition to SSE’s operational Culliagh and Meentycat wind farms.

"Civil engineering works at the Drumnahough site will begin in the coming weeks upon completion of the current pre-construction round of works. Construction will support around 60 full-time direct and indirect jobs at peak delivery. Local contractors and suppliers in Donegal and the North-West will be appointed where possible during construction.

"Over its operational lifetime Drumnahough Wind Farm will contribute millions of euro to the local exchequer through commercial rates payments to Donegal County Council that will support the provision of local services and infrastructure.

"It will also deliver a positive impact to the region through a substantial community benefit fund. This fund will be designed in consultation with the local community, and will help promote a range of community development, energy efficiency, climate action and other community initiatives in the region."

Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar, Battery (GB & Ireland) at SSE Renewables, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing that Drumnahough Wind Farm will be entering construction shortly. Delivery of this project is the next critical step we’re taking at SSE with our co-development partners FuturEnergy Ireland to turn Ireland’s ambitions for climate action and energy security into reality.

“We look forward to working closely with our supply chain partners and key contractors to safely and efficiently deliver this vital new wind farm. And in doing so, we plan to deliver an important boost to Donegal's economy, local supply chain and communities, both during construction and when it enters operation.”

Mary Lynch, Delivery Director at FuturEnergy Ireland, said: “The start of construction is a landmark moment for this project, which brings together the expertise of FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE. Drumnahough Wind Farm exemplifies how strategic collaboration can deliver meaningful progress in pursuit of Ireland’s climate and energy goals.

“This renewable energy project will also create tangible benefits for the local community and economy. From supporting jobs to investing in community initiatives through the community benefit fund, Drumnahough Wind Farm wants to create lasting positive legacy in Donegal.

“As we move into the construction phase, our top priorities are the safe and sustainable delivery of this project in close partnership with our contractors and suppliers, ensuring the local community remains informed and engaged throughout the process.”

Two Public Information Events will be held at Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, on Wednesday 10 December and at Foxhall Community Hall, Newmills, Letterkenny, on Thursday December 11, from 2:30pm to 7:30pm each day. These events will enable members of the community and local business representatives to meet the project team and find out more about the construction phase of the wind farm.

During construction a locally based Community Liaison Officer, Seamus Herron, is available to members of the local community to answer any queries in relation to the wind farm via clo@sse.com. More information on the project is available at sserenewables.com/drumnahough