Oldest ESB Wind Farm seeks sky-high makeover in Inishowen

The ESB is seeking planning permission to redevelop its oldest wind farm in Ireland, which is situated in Inishowen.

The ten wind turbines at the Illies in the townland of Crockahenny were built in 1998. Now, 28 years later, the ESB is seeking to decommission the wind farm and replace it with two larger turbines on the same site, not far from the Eddie Fullerton Dam. 

Permission was previously granted last year for two new wind turbines. Donegal County Council permitted the construction of two Enercon E82 wind turbines, each with an overall blade tip height of up to 119.5 metres.

However, the approved scheme was based on the installation of the Enercon E82 turbine model, which is no longer considered suitable for the site. As a result, the applicant Crockahenny Wind Farm Designated Activity Company, which is owned by the ESB, is now seeking planning permission to facilitate the installation of an alternative, more appropriate turbine model at the site. 

The current wind farm’s ten wind turbines are approaching the end of their operational lifetime. They have a combined capacity of 5 MW – enough green energy to meet the electricity needs of around 3,000 homes. 

In their place, the ESB is proposing to construct two wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height of up to 135 metres, which is double the size of the current turbines, 66m, and three times the height of Derry’s Guildhall.

The proposed development includes a range of associated site works. These would involve the construction of turbine foundations, hard stand areas, and assembly zones, along with drainage works required to support the new infrastructure.

Two extensions to existing access tracks within the windfarm are also planned, allowing construction and maintenance vehicles to safely access the turbines.

As part of the project, the developers are also seeking permission to construct a new 38kV electrical substation, which would replace the existing substation currently on site. The existing electrical compound would continue to be used, while the new turbines would be connected to the proposed substation via underground electrical cables installed within existing electrical ducts.

No new site entrance is proposed in the application. The development would make use of the existing access routes and infrastructure already serving the windfarm, helping to minimise additional land disturbance.

The application states that the proposed development falls under the provisions of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III), adopted in 2023. This directive aims to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy projects across Europe in order to meet climate targets, improve energy security, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

If approved, the project would contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy output and national climate goals, while extending the productive life of the Crockahenny Windfarm site.

The proposed wind energy development will be located on the upper slopes of Crockahenny Hill. It will be situated near Inishowen’s biggest-ever wind farm, which was given the green light last March. 

The Glenard wind farm will consist of 15 giant turbines, each with a total tip height in the range of 162 to 173 metres. Crockahenny, if approved for the upgrades, will be located less than 10km from several other wind energy developments and 6.82km south of Slieve Snaght. 

Wind farms and energy developments within a 10 km radius include Flughland, Glackmore, Glackmore II, Sheeragh, Three Trees Wind Farm, and Sorne Wind Farms.

While in the same area, Carrowglen, Upper Illies, and Aught Wind Farms have been granted planning but are not yet constructed. If those wind farms and energy developments, along with Crockahenny wind turbines, are constructed, then there will be 72 turbines in a 10km vicinity. 

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A decision on the development, which will be operational for up to 30 years is expected by February 4th.