Coillte to Hold Public Information Days on the Proposed Cullenagh Windfarm Project
Coillte have announced the dates for two information days in respect of the proposed a wind farm at Cullenagh, Co. Laois. The Cullenagh Windfarm Project proposes to develop a wind farm of 18 turbines on Coillte land at Cullenagh, Clontycoe and Dooary.
The Information Days will take place on
Wednesday 12th June from 2pm until 7.30pm at Timahoe Community Centre
Thursday 13th June from 2pm until 7.30pm at Ballyroan Community Centre
The purpose of the Information Days is to update the local community on the progress of the development. Topics for discussion include the outputs of the studies the state forestry company has undertaken and details of Environmental Assessments carried out.
The Cullenagh Windfarm site was developed with reference to the Laois County Development Plan and its vision for wind energy in the county. A planning application in respect of the development is expected to be submitted by mid-summer 2013.
Jude Byrne, Director of Wind Energy, Coillte said “The development of wind energy is a major factor in reaching the target of delivering 40% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Coillte is committed to helping reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions and achieving the Government’s renewable energy targets. Cullenagh Wind Farm has an important role to play in reaching this objective as it will connect directly to the Irish National Grid, supplying clean renewable indigenous energy, for the domestic market.”
The Information Evenings will be hosted by staff from across the Cullenagh project team and attendees will be briefed on the proposed project, answering specific queries and addressing any issues that the community have in relation to the proposal.
Mr. Byrne said “We are very conscious of the range of local views on the development. We previously held two open days in June 2011 where we received valuable feedback that we evaluated and incorporated where appropriate into our project plan. We hope that community of Cullenagh can attend our Information Evenings on the 12th and 13th of June and see how these concerns have been addressed.
“Coillte have undertaken significant wind analysis and environmental assessments at the site, and we pride ourselves on our Best –in-Class Environmental Impact Assessments. At the upcoming Information Evening the Cullenagh Wind Project team will go through the outputs from these studies and assessments.
“I would encourage members of the public to attend these information days, to view these plans and to ask any questions that they may have about the proposal.”