Hydroelectric plant for Midlands mountains plans advancing
Pre-planning application lodged for North Tipp hydroelectric plant
Plans for a major hydro-electric plant in a mountain range in North Tipperary capable of generating power for 185,000 homes have been lodged with the national planning authority.
Siga-Hydro Limited have applied to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) for planning permission to create the Silvermines Hydro project, with the plant stretching across the townlands of Castlecranna, Garryard West, Gorteenadiha, Gortshaneroe, Shallee, and Shallee Upper and Lower.
Because the development is classed as a strategic infrastructure project, the planning application has been submitted directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála instead of Tipperary County Council.
The plans propose an ultra-modern hydroelectric pumped storage power project, including two 220kV substations and grid connection to the national electricity network and all associated infrastructure installed.
The site of the plant will occupy an area of the mountain known locally as Magcobar, which was the name of a company which mined the Silvermines mountains in the 1860s and 70s. The site has a tailings pond and once was a mine which employed local people.
Siga-Hydro say the plant could power more than 185,000 homes, or 21,000 small businesses in Ireland every day and will “improve Ireland’s energy security” and help stabilise the national electricity grid while also reducing costs for customers.
The company said the project would benefit local biodiversity: “By incorporating a variety of native plant species and creating new habitats, the development will support the regeneration of local flora and fauna, providing critical resources such as food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife,” they said.
Planning documents submitted with the application state that the development could also improve trail access and scenic amenities:
“The proposed development offers the potential to enhance existing trails along the ridgetop summit, including trail upgrades and viewpoints overlooking the upper reservoir and the wider landscape.
“Views from these elevated lands above the upper reservoir have the potential to enhance the degree of scenic amenity afforded here,” the company said, adding there is the opportunity to install an upper reservoir viewpoint, as well as improving accessibility and signage along the trail.
The plans propose the tailings pond be used as the lower reservoir, while a new, upper reservoir would be created higher up in the Silvermines mountains and the facility will generate electricity by releasing water from the upper reservoir to a lower reservoir, generating electricity as the water cascades through water turbines.
The site will also feature a visitor centre where visitors can learn about hydro-electric power and the interesting mining history of the Silvermines mountains.
The Silvermines Hydro project will be located on the northern slope of the Silvermines and would be the second pumped-storage hydroelectric project in Ireland, following the construction of the Turlough Hill site in Wicklow in 1974.
An Coimisiún Pleanála will now determine if the project can advance to planning application and a decision is expected by September 24.