Public consultation on Yellow River Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund
The 29-turbine Yellow River Wind Farm near Rhode could be commissioned by next year, it has emerged.
SSE Renewables, developers of the project will be holding a series of public consultation events across four counties to meet with local communities in the vicinity of the site to consult on the associated community benefit fund and provide updates on the project.
The Yellow River Wind Farm is a 29-turbine development located outside Rhode.
The project received planning permission in 2014 and in November 2022 SSE Renewables commenced construction process of the wind farm.
When completed, the wind farm will produce enough clean green energy to power around 66,000 homes, offsetting 27 million Kg of harmful C02 emissions, the developers state.
A timeline for the project published recently shows that the construction of hard stands, access roads and fencing is due to be completed now, while the construction of the turbine foundations will continue to November. The erection of the turbines is due to commence in 2024.
These events will be held locally throughout the course of April and May to inform the relevant communities and stakeholders in Offaly, Meath, Westmeath, and Kildare about the community benefit fund. The full details of the six events are:
Rhode Parish Hall, Rhode, on Thursday, April 20, from 4-8pm
Castlejordan National School, Castlejordan, on Tuesday, April 25, from 4-8pm
Scoil Naoimh Phadraig, Ballybryan, on Wednesday, April 26, from 4pm-8pm
Croghan Community Hall, on Thursday, April 27, from 4-8pm
Tyrrellspass Community Centre, Tyrrellspass, on Tuesday, May 2, from 4-8pm
Edenderry Golf Club, on Wednesday, May 3, from 4-8pm
SSE Renewables will contribute €2 per MWh generated to local community groups and projects with an approximated €595,000 for the community benefit fund, over the course of 15 years. The fund will be open to applications from not-for-profit community enterprises, clubs & societies and similar not-for-profit entities once Yellow River Wind Farm is in operation.
Paul Rodgers Project Manager on Yellow River Wind Farm for SSE Renewables said: “We are looking forward to meeting with members of the community in person and get their input on how the community benefit fund can support neighbouring communities. Our dedicated project team will also be there in person to answer any questions about the Yellow River Wind Farm development itself, or about the Community Benefit Fund.”
The public consultation events will be supported by the Offaly Local Development Company to provide an overview of the community benefit fund and to help inform community members of the opportunities from the fund.
As part of the community benefit fund, a community fund committee will be established to be the decision-making body for the fund which will place communities at the heart of the decision-making process. The committee will be made up of voluntary, community representatives and will have the ultimate responsibility for the fund strategy and delivery.