Bord na Móna (BnM) and SSE Renewables have lodged a planning application with An Coimisiún Pleanála for the proposed Lemanaghan Wind Farm in County Offaly. The proposal, submitted as a Strategic Infrastructure Development by Lemanaghan Wind Farm DAC, a 50:50 joint venture between the partners, aims to boost Ireland's supply of homegrown, secure and affordable clean electricity while supporting jobs and regional investment.

The plan sets out 15 onshore turbines with blade tip heights of up to 220 metres and an installed capacity of 90MW, alongside a new 220kV substation to connect to the national grid. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to 65,700 homes annually and avoid over 56,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. These projections are based on a 35% wind load factor and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland 2024 conversion and emissions factors, with a projected annual output of 275,940MWh.

The wind farm would be situated on Lemanaghan Bog in north‑west Offaly, close to Ballycumber, Ferbane and Pollagh. The developers say the infrastructure footprint would occupy less than 5% of the overall site. As part of the submission, they propose enhanced public amenities, including new walking and cycling routes across the site to improve local access.

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According to the developers, the scheme has followed a constraint‑led design and involved engagement with the National Monuments Service to avoid or minimise impacts on known archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage assets. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) accompanies the application. The public is encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback as part of the statutory process. The final layout reflects extensive consultation with residents and neighbouring communities since 2021.

If consented and delivered, construction is anticipated to support up to 120 jobs at peak, creating opportunities for local contractors and suppliers. Once operational, the wind farm is expected to provide an ongoing economic boost through local spending and annual commercial rates to Offaly County Council. A Community Benefit Fund would be established in the first year of operation to back local initiatives, with its value linked to output at €2/MWh. Based on projected generation, the fund is estimated to total around €8 million over the first 15 years.

Ghislain Demeuldre, Head of Onshore Projects Ireland at SSE Renewables, said: "The design of Lemanaghan Wind Farm has been strongly guided by extensive engagement with the local community and detailed environmental assessments. We are pleased to bring forward a planning application that reflects this input at a time when accelerating Ireland's supply of clean, secure and affordable renewable energy has never been more important."

Speaking about the project, Brendan Kelly, Head of Commercial, BnM said: "BnM remains committed to delivering renewable energy while meeting our responsibilities as a landowner and neighbour. Our approach continues Lemanaghan's role of delivering indigenous sourced energy while applying BnM's integrated land use where wind energy, biodiversity, heritage and public amenity co-exist. This is a key project that will displace imported fossil fuel consumption and improve long term energy affordability for customers."

The project's delivery remains subject to securing planning permission, a viable route to market, and a final investment decision by the co‑development partners.