An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning permission for the development of Glenora Wind Farm in North Mayo. The project, a 50:50 partnership between SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland, is situated approximately 7km southwest of Ballycastle and 6km southeast of Belderrig.

The proposed site will feature 22 onshore wind turbines with a projected export capacity of up to 158MW. Once operational, the wind farm is expected to contribute significantly to Ireland's climate action targets, energy security, and affordability.

The development is anticipated to provide a boost to the local economy, creating up to 120 jobs during the peak of the construction phase and three permanent roles for ongoing operations. Furthermore, a multi-million-euro community benefit fund will be launched once commercial operations begin, providing annual financial support for local and regional causes.

Ghislain Demeuldre, Head of Onshore Wind, Solar and Battery Development at SSE Renewables, said: "Mayo and the North-West is home to an extraordinary wind energy resource. This decision marks another step forward for the project and the SSE-FuturEnergy Ireland portfolio. Glenora Wind Farm has the potential to bring huge economic benefits to North Mayo through job creation, community benefit funding and commercial rates payments to Mayo County Council.

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"For projects like Glenora Wind Farm to reach their full potential, investment in grid infrastructure in the North-West is essential. We are eager to collaborate with all the local, regional and national stakeholders, including the System Operators and business development agencies, to tackle grid challenges and unlock the region's full potential and economic development."

The project's final delivery remains subject to securing planning consent for grid connection and infrastructure, alongside final investment decisions by both partner companies.

Mary Lynch, Delivery Director at FuturEnergy Ireland, said: "Planning consent for Glenora Wind Farm is an extremely positive outcome for North Mayo and for Ireland's clean energy transition. With the capacity to generate up to 158MW of renewable electricity, the project can make a meaningful contribution to powering homes and businesses while strengthening Ireland's energy security.

"This project would also bring tangible benefits at a local level, including employment during construction, long-term operational roles, and a substantial community benefit fund to support local projects and initiatives. This decision marks an important step towards delivering resilient, low‑carbon energy infrastructure in the region."

Glenora is one of six co-development projects in the companies' joint portfolio across Mayo, Cork, Kerry, and Donegal. Other notable projects include the Sheskin South Wind Farm, which received consent in March 2024, and the 58MW Drumnahough Wind Farm in Donegal, where construction recently commenced.