Wedoany.com Report-May 23, A 66MW wind energy project proposed by RES in Northern Ireland has received validation from the Strategic Planning Directorate Department for Infrastructure (DfI). The Mullaghclogher wind farm, featuring 11 turbines, is planned for a site approximately 4 km north-east of Plumbridge in County Tyrone.

Ellen Cross, Development Project Manager at RES, highlighted the benefits of wind energy: “In 2023, wind energy across Northern Ireland cut spending on polluting gas by over £240 million. That’s a carbon emission saving of around 920,000 tonnes which demonstrates the importance of increasing the amount of clean renewable electricity across the country.” This underscores the project’s potential to contribute to sustainable energy goals.

If approved, the Mullaghclogher wind farm is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the local community and Northern Ireland’s broader economy. During construction, the project could inject approximately £35 million into the regional economy, with an additional £3.3 million supporting local jobs, employment, and services in the Plumbridge area. Over its operational lifetime, the wind farm is projected to contribute around £28 million in business rates, supporting local and regional services.

Cross emphasized RES’s commitment to local engagement: “At RES, we have a strong track-record of working closely with the local supply chain around our projects and maximising inward investment opportunities wherever possible. The construction of the 25MW Castlecraig Wind Farm, near Drumquin, provided employment for around 50 local people and injected over £3 million of inward investment in the immediate area alone, delivering significant local economic benefits which we also hope to realise at Mullaghclogher, if consented.” This reflects RES’s approach to fostering economic growth through collaboration with local businesses.

The Mullaghclogher project aligns with efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure while promoting economic development and environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland.