SSE and BnM have lodged a planning application with An Coimisiún Pleanála for the proposed Littleton Wind Farm, an 11-turbine scheme in County Tipperary to be assessed as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID).

Brought forward by Littleton Wind Farm DAC, a 50:50 joint venture between BnM and SSE Renewables, the project would have an installed capacity of 68MW—enough to power the equivalent of up to 44,100 homes each year—and is expected to displace over 35,000 tonnes of carbon annually.

The wind farm is planned for an area of Littleton Bog near Gortnahoe, Littleton, New Birmingham and neighbouring communities. The infrastructure footprint is anticipated to cover less than 5% of the development site and includes turbines with blade tip heights of up to 200 metres, alongside a new 110kV substation to connect to the national grid.

Plans also outline enhanced local amenities, with new walking and cycling routes proposed across the site to improve access for the community.

A constraint-led design and engagement with stakeholders have informed the layout to avoid and minimise environmental impacts. The submission is accompanied by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS), and members of the public are encouraged to review the documents and share feedback as part of the process.

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Consultation with residents and neighbouring communities has taken place since April 2021, with feedback helping to refine the final design. If approved and delivered, the project aims to add secure, affordable, homegrown renewable electricity while supporting employment and regional investment.

At peak construction, up to 100 jobs are expected to be supported, creating opportunities for local contractors and service providers. Once operational, the wind farm would contribute to the local economy through annual commercial rates to Tipperary County Council and ongoing regional spend.

A Community Benefit Fund would be established during the wind farm's first year in operation. In line with the Department's 2025 Community Benefit Rulebook, support would be set at €2/MWh, with multi-million-euro benefits projected over the first 15 years.

Ghislain Demeuldre, Head of Onshore Projects Ireland at SSE Renewables, said: "Our plans for Littleton Wind Farm have been shaped by meaningful engagement with local communities and detailed environmental assessment. Progressing this planning application reflects our commitment not only to delivering the clean, secure and affordable renewable energy Ireland needs, but also to supporting jobs, local supply chains and investment during construction and operation. Our plans also envisage long term contributions to County Tipperary and to local communities through commercial rates payments and a dedicated community benefit fund once the wind farm is operational."

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 ensures Littleton continues its role in delivering indigenous energy while enabling wind energy, biodiversity, heritage and public amenity to co-exist. This key project will displace imported fossil fuel consumption and support long term energy affordability for customers."

Planning documents, including the EIAR and NIS, can be viewed and downloaded at www.littletonwindfarmplanning.ie and are also available at the offices of An Coimisiún Pleanála, Tipperary County Council in Nenagh and Clonmel, and Thurles Library. Submissions or observations may be made only to An Coimisiún Pleanála, in writing or online at www.pleanala.ie, during the seven-week period from 22 June to 11 August 2026.

Final delivery of the project will depend on securing planning consent, identifying a route to market, and a final investment decision by the joint venture partners.