Benefits arising from the construction and operation of the proposed Garryhinch Wind Farm project will include:

• A Community Benefit Fund.
• 80 to 100 jobs at peak construction, followed by a number of long term, high quality technical jobs in operations and maintenance.
• Substantial commercial rates paid to local County Council, and investment in the wider economy through tax and exchequer contributions.
• Upgrades to the road infrastructure in the vicinity of the wind farm (as required).
• Indirect employment created through the sub-supply of a wide range of products and services.

A high-level amenity plan will accompany the planning application and we would welcome any feedback or proposals the community may have with respect of this.

A good example of one of Bord na Móna's existing wind farm amenity facilities is Mountlucas Wind Farm in North Offaly. The site consists of an over 20km walkway / cycleway around the wind farm in addition to interpretative signage, outdoor exercise equipment and a learning hub which is utilised by various school and college groups for educational purposes and day trips.

For more information, please click here.

Another example is SSE Renewables Galway Wind Way, a range of recreational trails at Galway Wind Park. The 48km of trails across six distinct routes through the wind farm include a wheelchair accessible route and take you through the heart of Connemara. While exploring the routes, walkers can learn how the landscape of the Cloosh Valley has changed over hundreds of years.

For more information, please click here.

It is envisaged that an annual Community Benefit Fund will be set up for the proposed Garryhinch Wind Farm once the project is operational.

As the project is at an early stage of its development, the exact nature and structure of a proposed Community Benefit Fund is not known at this time, albeit we would envisage it being similar in type to our existing Community Benefit Funds which include:

• A Community Benefit Scheme – providing funding to local communities and not-for-profit organisations. An example of an existing Community Benefit Scheme can be seen at SSE Renewables Galway Wind Park Fund which was launched in 2018 and provides approximately €400,000 per annum to local groups and individuals via its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund and Scholarship Fund.
• A Near Neighbour Fund – providing an annual electricity contribution and once off support to carry out energy efficiency measures and/or education support to residents within a prescribed distance of a turbine. An example of an existing Near Neighbour fund can be seen at Bord na Móna's Mountlucas Wind Farm.  The Education Support measure has provided assistance to residents within a prescribed distance of a turbine to cover the costs associated with education across a variety of courses of NFC Level 6 Certificate and above, while a number of homes have completed Energy Efficiency measures on their home, including;
  • Attic Insulation
  • Cavity Wall Insulation
  • External Wall Insulation
  • Installation of Solar PV System
  • Upgrade of Windows and Doors
  • Installation of Solar Thermal System
  • Upgrade of Heating Systems and Controls.