Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2013
124. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there will be a social clause included in the wind farm project in Mount Lucas, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24909/13]
View answerThe Mount Lucas wind farm is being developed by Bord na Móna. The matter to which the Deputy refers is a day to day operational matter for the company and not one in which I have a function. I have been advised however, that as part of the planning permission granted by Offaly County Council for the Mount Lucas wind farm project there is a development contribution fee in the order of €253,000 payable by Bord na Móna and, over the entire operational lifetime of the Mount Lucas project, Offaly County Council will receive in the region of €600,000 per annum in rates from this project.
In preparation for the construction of the wind farm, Bord na Móna upgraded 6.5 kilometres of local roads, increasing their residual design life to 20 years. The construction phase of the wind farm provides approximately 150 jobs at peak with a further 12 full time jobs when the project is in full commercial operation. Approximately 45,000 households will be provided with wind generated electricity when the Mount Lucas project comes on stream and the very significant investment by Bord na Móna in this project will contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s renewable energy targets.
