Creating Projects that are Good for Local Communities

Community Engagement and Benefit

We aim to design a responsible project that will positively benefit our neighbours. We do this through managing the design and development in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders for results supported by both.

Our engagement objectives range from building relationships and trust, to creating an environment around our developments where we will be openly and warmly welcomed back in the future by stakeholders and communities alike.

What is a Community Benefit Fund? And how does it work?

Ballinagree Wind Farm will have a Community Benefit Fund attached.  These funds are established and managed to benefit the local community in the areas of;

Recreation

Health and Wellbeing

Culture and Heritage

Environmental Sustainability

Tourism

The fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups or organisations with a charitable status.

FuturEnergy Ireland and Ørsted energy projects have consistently provided a Community Benefit Fund (CBF), whether we have had governmental support or have been financed via other means.   However, a CBF now forms part of the Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).  It is a requirement of any development under the scheme to provide a fund that will benefit the local community.

What is a Community Benefit Fund?  And how does it work?

Estimated Project Development Time

Jul 2017

General ecological studies began in the wider study area

Nov 2017

Initial landowner discussions began in the area.

Jul 2019

Door-to-door engagement begins with the local community

Oct 2019

Local landowner discussion concluded

Oct 2019

Meteorological wind measuring mast scoping studies progress

Nov 2019

Meteorological wind measuring mast erection

Dec 2019

Environmental impact assessment project team appointed

Dec 2019

Detailed environmental and engineering studies begin

Jun 2020

Grid Route and turbine delivery route assessment progressed

Jun 2020

Site Layout Iteration 1

Nov 2020

Site Layout Iteration 2

Apr 2021

Site Layout Iteration 3

Aug 2021

Final design layout. Publish detailed project brochure and virtual exhibition

Oct 2021

Hold information webinar on Thursday October 7 at 7pm for the local community.

Jan 2022

Planning application submitted to An Bord Pleanála