FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE Renewables have received planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for the Gort Ui Rathaile Wind Farm, located near the Cork/Kerry border. The wind farm will consist of 13 turbines and is situated approximately 4 km from Ballyvourney, Cork.
The project's delivery is contingent on securing a route to market and obtaining a final investment decision from the co-developers, FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE Renewables. This approval marks a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration in Ireland's renewable energy sector.
Sinead O'Malley, Development Director at FuturEnergy Ireland, expressed the importance of the development: “This planning grant for Gort Uí Rathaile Wind Farm represents another significant milestone in the FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE Renewables portfolio and our combined commitment to a greener, more resilient energy future for Ireland.”
She further highlighted Ireland's reliance on imported fossil fuels, stating, “Ireland's reliance on fossil fuel imports — costing €1 million an hour — puts both our economy and energy security at risk. Generating more renewable, home-produced electricity is critical for stabilising household energy costs as well as for strengthening our resilience against global energy uncertainties.”
Gordon Kyle, Lead Project Development Manager for SSE Renewables, welcomed the planning approval, noting, “The decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for Gort Uí Rathaile Wind Farm is very welcome. This planning grant also marks another positive step forward for the SSE Renewables-FuturEnergy Ireland co-development portfolio following the completion of Lenalea Wind Farm in Co. Donegal in 2023 and the consenting of the proposed Sheskin South Wind Farm in North Co. Mayo last year.”
The project will create up to 60 jobs during construction and six long-term positions for its operation. Additionally, the partners have committed to establishing a Community Benefit Fund, which is expected to provide hundreds of thousands of euros annually to the local community once the wind farm becomes operational.
The Gort Ui Rathaile Wind Farm is part of a broader portfolio of renewable energy projects developed by FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE Renewables, which includes six other projects across counties Donegal, Cork, Kerry, and Mayo. Together, these projects have a combined potential output of approximately 600 MW, with various stages of development underway.
