Barnesmore Windfarm Repowering - ScottishPower Renewables
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Barnesmore Windfarm Repowering
Above: Computer-generated photomontage of the proposed Barnesmore Windfarm Repowering.
Location
Approximately 10 km north of Donegal Town, Co. Donegal.
Project History
ScottishPower Renewables has owned and operated the existing operational Barnesmore Windfarm for over 20 years. The site currently consists of 25 x 600 kilowatt (kW) wind turbines of 61m to tip height, generating 15 megawatts (MW) of renewable power. The current site has consent to operate in perpetuity.
Development Description
Repowering the operational Barnesmore Windfarm will involve the removal of the existing 25 turbines and replacing them with up to 13, 4-6 MW turbines of up to 180m to tip height. The benefits of this are an increased overall generating capacity from the site, from 15 MW to potentially over 70 MW, as well as a reduction to almost half the total number of turbines within the site. A key part of the design strategy was to redevelop the site within the existing infrastructure footprint as far as possible.
No. Turbines
There is likely to be up to 13 turbines. We also plan to include 15 MWs of co-located energy storage as part of the repowering of the site.
Potential Capacity
Depending on the size and number of turbines, the generating capacity of the repowered Barnesmore Windfarm will be in the region of 70 MW.
Current Stage
SPR submitted an application for planning consent to An Bord Pleanála as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID), in accordance with Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), in December 2019.
An Bord Pleanála have now determined the application and have issued an order granting a 10 year permission for the proposal. SPR is pleased that this will provide the opportunity to greatly increase the volume of green electricity produced at the site.
Community Consultation
Early consultation is key to the way ScottishPower Renewables develops its projects, and throughout the development process we will strive to ensure local communities and stakeholders are given the opportunity to provide feedback and are kept informed of project progress.
The first round of Public Information Days (PIDs) was held in May 2019, and a second round was held in October 2019.
For more information about the project, please see the banners displayed at our most recent PIDs below:
Benefits
We are committed to being a responsible developer of renewable energy and we strive to be good neighbours in all areas of our work. In recent years we have voluntarily provided community benefit packages on all new development projects to enable the local communities hosting a windfarm to share in the benefits. If consented, it is proposed that the repowering of Barnesmore Windfarm will offer a community benefit package.
Our operational windfarms have to date contributed more than the equivalent of €34 million of support towards community initiatives with the preferred approach being to empower local communities to determine how the fund is used to the greatest benefit locally. This has resulted in a wide range of initiatives being delivered; from improving local amenities including town halls, cinemas and local youth clubs, to supporting work experience places, educational workshops and much more. SPR would welcome contact from local community groups interested in registering to be part of community benefit discussions.
Economic analysis considered as part of the EIA estimated that the repower will have a capital expenditure of approximately €90m, and a further €105m of operational expenditure (considered over an indicative 24-year period) with an estimated 17% of this expenditure potentially being retained in the economy of the local region. It is estimated that the initial decommissioning and construction phase of the repowering will create around 50-60 jobs.
Contact
The Project Team can be contacted directly by email
Project Documents
Barnesmore Windfarm Repowering faq
Planning Statement
Non-Technical Summary
Pre-Application Community Consultation Report
Planning Drawings
- Schedule of Planning Drawings (opens in a new window)
- Site Location Map (opens in a new window)
- Site Location – Vector Mapping (opens in a new window)
- Landowner Boundary map (opens in a new window)
- Proposed Haul Route (opens in a new window)
- Existing Operational Barnesmore Windfarm Layout (opens in a new window)
- Site Comparison Layout Sheet 1 of 2 (opens in a new window)
- Site Comparison Layout Sheet 2 of 2 (opens in a new window)
- Site Layout Keyplan (opens in a new window)
- Site Layout Plan Sheet 1 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Site Layout Plan Sheet 2 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Site Layout Plan Sheet 3 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Site Layout Plan Sheet 4 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Site Layout Plan Sheet 5 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Site Layout Plan Sheet 6 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Grid Connection (opens in a new window)
- Proposed Upgrade Works at the L-2095 L-2051-1 Junction and the L-2015-1 Road (opens in a new window)
- Dimensions to Site Boundary Map (opens in a new window)
- Drainage Layout – Index Drawing (opens in a new window)
- Drainage Layout – Sheet 1 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Drainage Layout – Sheet 2 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Drainage Layout – Sheet 3 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Drainage Layout – Sheet 4 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Drainage Layout – Sheet 5 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Drainage Layout – Sheet 6 of 6 (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 1 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 2 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 3 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 4 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Site Access Tracks Construction Details Sheet 1 of 2 (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Site Access Tracks Construction Details Sheet 2 of 2 (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Cable Trench Details for Wind Farm Collector Circuits (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Grid Connection Trench Details (opens in a new window)
- Indicative End Mast Details 110kV Grid Connection (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Crane Hardstand General Arrangement (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Wind Turbine Foundation General Arrangement (opens in a new window)
- Existing Golagh Substation Compound Layout Plan and Section (opens in a new window)
- Existing IPP Control Building Plan Section and Elevations (opens in a new window)
- Proposed Site Substation Compound Layout Plan (opens in a new window)
- Proposed Site Substation Compound Elevation (opens in a new window)
- Proposed IPP Control Building Plan (opens in a new window)
- Proposed IPP Control Building Elevations (opens in a new window)
- Proposed IPP Control Building Section (opens in a new window)
- Proposed Eirgrid Control Building Plan and Section (opens in a new window)
- Proposed Eirgrid Control Building Elevations (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Energy Storage Unit Layout Plan (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Energy Storage Unit (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Contractors Site Compound Details (opens in a new window)
- Candidate Wind Turbine Details (opens in a new window)
- Indicative Metrological Mast Details (opens in a new window)
Covers, Preface and Contents
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 1.1 – Site Location Map (opens in a new window)
- Figure 1.2 – Site Layout (opens in a new window)
- Figure 1.3 – House Locations within 2.5 km of the Development (opens in a new window)
- Figure 1.4a – Site Comparison Layout Sheet 1 of 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 1.4b – Site Comparison Layout Sheet 2 of 2 (opens in a new window)
Technical Appendices
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 2.1 – Proposed Haul Route (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.2 – Wind Resource on Site (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.3 – Indicative Crane Hardstand General Arrangement (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.4 – Indicative Meteorological Mast Details (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.5 – Existing Golagh Substation Compound Layout Plan and Section (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.6 – Indicative Cable Trench Details for Wind Farm Collector Circuits (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.7a – Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 1 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.7b – Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 2 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.7c – Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 3 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.7d – Indicative Drainage Details Sheet 4 of 4 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.8 – Indicative Contractor’s Site Compound Details (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.9a – Indicative Site Access Tracks Construction Details Sheet 1 of 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.9b - Indicative Site Access Tracks Construction Details Sheet 2 of 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.10 – Candidate Wind Turbine Details (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.11a – Proposed Eirgrid Control Building Plan and Section (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.11b – Proposed Eirgrid Control Building Plan and Elevations (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.12a – Proposed IPP Control Building Plan (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.12b – Proposed IPP Control Building Elevations (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.12c – Proposed IPP Control Building Section (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.13 – Proposed Site Substation Compound Layout plan (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.14a – Indicative Energy Storage Unit Layout Plant (opens in a new window)
- Figure 2.14b – Indicative Energy Storage Unit (opens in a new window)
Technical Appendices
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 3.1 – 2017 LVIA Feasibility Layouts (opens in a new window)
- Figure 3.2 – Existing Operational Barnesmore Windfarm Layout (opens in a new window)
- Figure 3.3 – Concept Layouts 1-4 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 3.4 – Concept Layouts 5-8 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 3.5 – Grid Connection (opens in a new window)
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 5.1 – Geographical Study Areas for Population Analysis (opens in a new window)
- Figure 5.2 – Local electoral Divisions of the Development and Environs (opens in a new window)
- Figure 5.3 – Population Density by Small Areas (opens in a new window)
- Figure 5.4 – Scenic Amenity Categories (opens in a new window)
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 6.1 – Geographical Location (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.2 – Habitat Survey Area (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.3 – Aquatic Monitoring Points (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.4 – Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FPM) Survey (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.5 – Reptile Refugia Mat Locations (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.6 – Close up of Site and NHA (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.7 – Internationally Designated Sites within 15 km (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.8 – Nationally Designated Sites within 5 km (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.9 – Fossitt Habitats WSS (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.10 – Upland Perrin et al Habitats (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.11 – EU Annex I Habitats (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.12 – Relevé Surveys (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.13 – Total Bat Passes by Species Spring (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.14 – Total Bat Passes by Species Summer (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.15 – Total Bat Passes by Species Autumn (opens in a new window)
- Figure 6.16 – NHA Boundary Based on NPWS Site Notes Description (opens in a new window)
Technical Appendices
- Appendix 6.1 – Statement of Authority (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 6.2 – Reptile Survey Results (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 6.3 – Scoping Responses – Biodiversity (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 6.4 – Further Details on Bat Survey Methodology (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 6.5 – Freshwater Pearl Mussel Survey Report (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 6.6 – Relevé Surveys 2019 (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 6.7 – Draft Habitat Management Plan (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 6.8 – Habitat and Relevé Plates (opens in a new window)
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 7.1 – Survey Areas (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.2 – Survey Areas_Aerial (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.3 – Priority Species Survey Areas (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.4 – Designated Sites (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.5 – Whooper Swan Locations (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.6 – Red Grouse Locations (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.7 – Survey Areas & Turbine Buffers (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.8 – Confirmed Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.9 – Probable Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.10 – Possible Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.11 – Non-Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.12 – 2017_Meadow Pipit & Skylark Aerial (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.12 – 2017_Meadow Pipit & Skylark (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.13 – 2017-18 Winter Walkover (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.14 – Target 2 Flights (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.15 – Target 2 Flights (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.16 – 2017-18 Raven Flights (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.21A – 2017_Priority Species Locations Target 2 Buffers (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.22 – 2017_Priority Species Locations RG & SN Buffer (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.24A – 2017_Priority Species Locations Target 2 10km (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.27 – 2018 Confirmed Breeding territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.28 – 2018 Probable Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.29 – 2018 Possible Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.30 – 2018 Non-Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.31 – 2018 Meadow Pipit & Skylark (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.32 – 2018-19 Winter Walkover (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.33 – 2018_19_Target 2 Flights (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.34 – 2018_19_Target 2 Flights (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.35 – 2018_19_Raven Flight (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.39A – 2018_Priority Species Locations Target 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.40A – 2018_Priority Species Locations Target 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.41 – 2018_Priority Species Locations Target SN & RG (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.42A – 2018_Priority Species Locations Target 2 5km (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.43A – 2018_Priority Species Locations Target 2 10km (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.46 – Track Layout – 2017 Confirmed Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.47 – Track Layout – 2017 Probable Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.48 – Track Layout – 2017 Possible Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.49 – Track Layout – 2017 Meadow Pipit & Skylark (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.50 – Track Layout – 2018 Confirmed Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.51 – Track Layout – 2018 Probable Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.52 – Track Layout – 2018 Possible Breeding Territories (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.53 – Track Layout – 2018 Meadow Pipit & Skylark (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.58A – Track Layout – 2017 RG & SN (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.58B – Track Layout 2018 RG & SN (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.59 – Track Layout – 2017_18 winter walkover (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.60 – Track Layout – 2018_19 winter walkover (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.69A – Cumulative Turbines 2017 Target 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.70A – Cumulative Turbines 2017-18 Target 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.71A – Cumulative Turbines 2018 Target 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.72A – Cumulative Turbines 2018-19 Target 2 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.73 – VP All 180 Viewshed (opens in a new window)
- Figure 7.74 – VP All 360 Viewshed (opens in a new window)
Technical Appendices
Chapter
Technical Appendices
Chapter
Technical Appendices
- Appendix 9.1 – Photographs (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.2 – Surface Water Network (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.3 – Surface Water Bodies (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.4 – Surface Water Systems & Associated Sensitive Protected Areas (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.5 – Surface Water Baseline Sampling (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.6 – Surface Water Quality Database _ Discharge Calcs (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.7 – Groundwater Database – Piezo Water Levels (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.8 – Laboratory Certificates (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 9.9 – Constraints Overview _ Tiles (opens in a new window)
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 10.1 – Turbines & Nearest Noise Receptors (opens in a new window)
- Figure 10.2 – Noise Contour Map (opens in a new window)
- Figure 10.3 – Cumulative Noise Contour Map (opens in a new window)
Technical Appendices
- Appendix 10.1 – Photos of Noise Monitors in-situ (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 10.2 – Wind speed calculation for hub height (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 10.3 – Calibration certificates of noise instruments (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 10.4 – Noise Survey Data (opens in a new window)
- Appendix 10.5 – Candidate turbine manufacturer’s noise emission data (opens in a new window)
Chapter
Figure
- Figure 11.1 – LVIA Study Area (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.2 – LVIA Site Context (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.3 – LVIA Study Area – Aerial image (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.4 – DCDP Scenic Amenity Designations (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.5 – County Donegal Landscape Character Types (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.6 – County Donegal Landscape Character Areas (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.7 – NI Landscape Character Areas (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.8 – Draft NI Regional Landscape (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.9 – Donegal CoCo Wind Energy Zoning Areas (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.10a – ZTV Map – Tip Height (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.10b – ZTV Map – Hub Height (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.11 – Comparative ZTV (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.12 – Theoretical Visual Intensity Map -Op BWF Turbines (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.13 – Theoretical Visual Intensity Map -BWF Repowering Turbines (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.14a – RSA Maps -Standard Map (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.14b – RSA Maps -RSA Open View Refinement Map (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.15 – Landscape Scenic Amenity Designations & Sensitive Views (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.16 – Wild Atlantic Way Route in Donegal (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.17 – Viewpoint Locations Map (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.18 – Cumulative Wind Farms within the Study Area (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.19 – ZTV Map -Barnesmore Repowering vs Meenadreen WF (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.20 – ZTV Map -Barnesmore Repowering vs Meenbog WF (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.21 – ZTV Map -Barnesmore Repowering vs Meenbog & Meenadreen WFs (opens in a new window)
- Figure 11.22 – ZTV Map -Barnesmore Operational vs Meenbog & Meenadreen WFs (opens in a new window)
Technical Appendices
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 12.1 – Telecommunications Assessment Map (opens in a new window)
- Figure 12.2 – Shadow Flicker Occurrences (opens in a new window)
Technical Appendices
Chapter
Figures
- Figure 13.1 – Archaeological & Architectural Heritage Sites (opens in a new window)
- Figure 13.2 – Extract from 17th Century Down Survey Mapping (opens in a new window)
- Figure 13.3 – Extract of Study Area from 6-inch 1st edition OS Map c 1829-41 (opens in a new window)
- Figure 13.4 – Extract of Study Area from 6-inch Cassini edition OS Map c. 1940 (opens in a new window)