Environment

How will Sliabh Bawn Power DAC (SBPD) protect the local environment?

Ireland is moving toward a greener, more sustainable future based on reduced fossil fuel imports, lower CO² emissions and enhanced energy security.

Sliabh Bawn Power DAC will ensure that our wind farm project conforms to all statutory
requirements and best practice guidelines in relation to environmental protection.

The planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in March 2012 requires Sliabh Bawn Power DAC to construct and operate the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm in accordance with a number of planning conditions.

This is to protect the environment, including the community, at all stages, from construction, to commissioning and operation of the wind farm. This will include the presence of an archaeologist on site throughout excavation works. A Traffic Management Plan will be implemented to ensure as far as possible that local people are not inconvenienced due to the project and to protect health and safety. Regular traffic updates will be provided to the local community during construction.

Turbine Locations and Setback

The turbine locations have been carefully selected and distributed across the mountain to minimise any potential impact on residential properties. All turbines within the development will be set back from houses by a distance greater than 700 metres which is well in excess of the recommended national guidelines for wind energy development.

The Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm will comprise 20 X 3.2MW turbines. The project will have a maximum export capacity of 58 MW.

A substation will also be built at the north eastern end of the site and the wind farm will connect into the existing 110kV power line which crosses the site.

Noise and Shadow Flicker

Advances in modern turbine technology have resulted in quieter turbines with lower noise emissions. As part of the environmental studies completed for the project, noise levels have been modelled and assessed from a range of locations around the site under different conditions to ensure that it remains within the limits set out in the planning permission.

Similarly, shadow flicker has also been modelled and studied to ensure that it remains within the limits set out in the planning permission and Sliabh Bawn Power DAC will continuously monitor the situation to ensure that it does not adversely impact upon surrounding dwellings.

Roscommon County Council is the regulatory authority that will ensure the conditions of the planning permission are adhered to throughout construction and during the longer term operation of the wind farm.