The Cloncreen Wind Farm will give rise to a range of benefits at a local level. It will ensure the continuity of enterprise and employment on the Cloncreen windfarm site well beyond the peat harvesting phase. The development will create an estimated 100 to 120 jobs at peak construction.
Once in operation, the wind farm will support 6 – 8 long term, high quality technical jobs in operation and maintenance as well as a number of jobs in ancillary functions.
Amenity Plan
Bord na Móna is exploring a number of potential amenity ideas for the site. The amenity plan will be developed in phases. We plan to replicate its Community Gain Scheme model (currently operational at Mountlucas and Bruckana wind farms) in the context of the Cloncreen Wind Farm.
Rates paid to the Local Authority from the wind farm should have a significant, positive impact on local infrastructure and amenities such as roads, public lighting, street cleaning, libraries, fire services and public amenities.
Community Gain Scheme
We intend to replicate our Community Gain Scheme model, currently operational at Mountlucas Wind Farm, for the Cloncreen Wind Farm. In accordance with the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) best practice, an annual fund of €1,000/MW of installed capacity per annum, index – linked for the lifetime of the project will be established.
This fund supports the local community, through funding of projects and community services. Local people can apply for funding to improve the lives of everyone living in the area. Examples of projects supported through our existing Community Gain Schemes are:
- Moyne Athletic Track received community funding from Bruckana Wind Farm Community Gain Scheme.
- The refurbishment of bathrooms and installation of disabled toilet facilities at Cross Patrick Community Hall with Bruckana Wind Farm Community Gain Scheme.
- Molesworth Bridge Playground, Daingean received community funding from Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gain Scheme.
- Daingean Community Childcare Services soft play area received community funding from Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gain Scheme.
- Walsh Island Handball Alley received community funding from Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gain Scheme.
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