Communities can financially benefit from Birr / Cloghan wind farm

A RECENT meeting in Birr was told that communities can benefit from a Fund attached to the Galetech wind farm located near the N62 between Birr and Cloghan.
Typically, financial benefits range between €1,000 and €5,000 and are open to everyone living within a ten kilometre range of wind farms. However, the range can be increased to 20km for groups that are considered particularly deserving, which, in this instance, could include groups in Birr and Cloghan.
The Galetech wind farm features nine turbines reaching a maximum height of 169 metres.
Cllr John Carroll told a recent meeting of Birr 20:20 that a representative from Galetech will address Birr 20:20 in person about the beneficial fund if the community group wishes it.
The ESB says it established this “Wind Farm Community Fund system in collaboration “with our venture partners Galetech Energy, Greencoat and Enercon, with the intention of helping the communities neighbouring our wind farms to become more sustainable through the support of positive local initiatives and activities. The fund system seeks to address current and emerging issues, needs and opportunities within communities, enriching lives and creating brighter possibilities for local residents.”
The ESB also points out that support to larger projects can be facilitated through a multi-annual agreement. For example, a project costing €24,000 would be paid four instalments of €6,000 over a four year period.