Plans have been proposed to deliver a series of efficient improvements to Barnesmore Windfarm in County Donegal.

The upgrades on the Donegal Town wind farm would see the site's 25 turbines repowered or replaced with a lesser number of new turbines.

ScottishPower Renewables aims to deliver the upgrades in order to potentially quadruple the generating capacity of the windfarm, from 15 megawatts to 60MW.

Lindsay McQuade, CEO ScottishPower Renewables, said: "As one of the first windfarms in Ireland, Barnesmore has made a pioneering contribution to the country's renewable energy targets and low carbon objectives.

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"Onshore wind is the cheapest source of renewable energy and by repowering the existing windfarm, we can substantially increase its generating capacity and output, delivering even more clean green energy to homes and businesses while supporting the Irish Government's 70% target for renewable electricity by 2030."

A series of public information days are planned to showcase the plans to the local community and answer any questions people may have. Along with collating public feedback, detailed environmental and technical surveys will take place prior to an application for planning consent being submitted to the local authority later this year.

The project will also see the establishment of a community benefit package to share the benefits of the windfarm with those living locally.

(CM/MH)