SSE Renewables has submitted a planning application to Cork County Council seeking to extend the operational life of its 6MW Coomatallin wind farm in County Cork by two decades.
The four-turbine facility, located near Dunmanway, has been in operation since 2006 and currently supplies enough electricity to power over 4,000 homes annually, while offsetting approximately 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
No modifications to the number or size of turbines are planned. If approved, the extension would allow the wind farm to remain in service until 2046.
SSE said the proposal aligns with national climate objectives and would help maintain energy security while continuing to deliver local economic benefits. These include ongoing community funding and commercial rates contributions.
“Coomatallin wind farm has been generating clean, home-grown energy in West Cork since 2006, and with this proposed life extension it has the potential to continue supporting Ireland’s ambitious climate and energy targets well into the future,” said Ciaran Maguire, onshore wind O&M general manager Ireland at SSE Renewables.
“Just as importantly,” he added, “securing an extended operational life would allow us to sustain the positive impact of the Coomatallin Community Fund, ensuring that local groups and initiatives in West Cork can continue to benefit for many more years to come.”
Since its commissioning, the Coomatallin Community Fund has distributed nearly €290,000 to community groups within a 20-kilometre radius of the site.
