Irish BnM and SSE to Showcase 80-90 MW Bellair Wind Farm Proposal in September

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Irish energy companies BnM and SSE Renewables will host community engagement events for the Bellair Wind Farm project on September 8-10 at the border of County Offaly and County Westmeath, presenting the latest plans for the proposed development to local residents.

The Bellair Wind Farm is planned to have an installed capacity of 80 to 90 MW, developed jointly by BnM and SSE, located on BnM's Bellair North and Bellair South bogs, near Ballinahown, Ballycumber, Castledaly, Moate, and Tubber. BnM operates the Mount Lucas Wind Farm in County Offaly, and the company stated that developing new projects on these bogs continues the area's long-standing tradition of energy generation, harnessing wind resources to supply renewable electricity to homes and businesses while supporting regional economic activity.

The latest proposal plans to install 12 turbines with a maximum overall tip height of 220 meters, with the proposed infrastructure footprint covering less than 5% of the development site. The project adopts a constraint-led design approach, combined with stakeholder engagement, to minimize and avoid potential environmental impacts; the new draft layout has been developed based on extensive environmental studies and site surveys.

The events will be held daily from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with the schedule as follows: Tuesday, September 8, at The Carmelite Centre in Moate, County Westmeath; Wednesday, September 9, at Ballinahown Community Hall; and Thursday, September 10, at Ballycumber Community Centre in County Offaly. This marks the latest round of public consultation for the project following the initial consultation in mid-2025, allowing residents to view the latest draft layout, ask questions, and share ideas on the draft amenities plan proposed for the wind farm.

Paul Bonar, SSE Renewables Bellair Wind Farm Project Manager, stated that the events provide an opportunity for community members to view the draft layout, engage directly with the project team, and participate in shaping the next phase of the project. Feedback received during the consultation will be used to determine the wind farm's final design, construction, and operation. Karina Dennigan, BnM Community Relations and Advocacy Manager, stated that BnM and SSE are committed to delivering 800 MW of wind energy to support Ireland's energy security; community feedback will ensure that the Bellair Wind Farm contributes positively to the local community and economy, while supporting Ireland's transition to a resilient, low-carbon energy system and delivering on National Development Plan targets. The project team will be on site to answer questions and provide further information.

The two companies plan to submit the final planning application for the project to An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2027. If consented and approved for construction, the Bellair Wind Farm will provide Irish consumers with more indigenous, secure, and affordable electricity, while driving local employment and investment.

Community members interested in learning more about the project can contact Enda, the Community Liaison Officer, at 087 057 9141, or email info@bellairwindfarm.ie, or visit bellairwindfarm.ie for further information.