SSE has submitted a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála for the proposed Crumhach Wind Farm near Dromore West, County Sligo, which would supersede the existing Kingsmountain and Dunneill onshore wind farms.

The plan follows more than 20 years of successful operations at the two sites. SSE intends to redevelop Kingsmountain and Dunneill and extend onto adjoining greenfield lands under the single Crumhach Wind Farm project.

SSE has a long-established presence in County Sligo's wind sector, generating clean, affordable and reliable home-produced electricity from the 25MW Kingsmountain Wind Farm (operational since 2003) and the 11MW Dunneill Wind Farm (since 2010).

If approved and built as outlined, Crumhach would replace the existing wind farms with up to 102MW of installed capacity—almost triple the current output. The scheme would feature up to 17 modern turbines, down from the 23 machines now operating, alongside a new 110kV onsite substation. It would connect to the national grid via the existing link to the Cunghill 110kV substation, south-east of the site, and through a new connection to the Srananagh 220kV substation in East Sligo. A separate planning application for the new grid route will follow in due course.

The application comes after an extensive local engagement programme with residents and stakeholders in West Sligo that began in early 2024, including two public consultation events held in Dromore West and Templeboy in July 2025.

Construction of Crumhach could support up to 100 jobs at peak, with the operational project expected to sustain up to three full-time roles.

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Community benefit would be a central feature. Since 2004, SSE has provided more than €650,000 to local groups through the existing Kingsmountain and Dunneill Community Benefit Fund. Subject to consent and delivery, Crumhach would create a new community benefit fund in its first year of commercial operation. In line with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment's Community Benefit Rulebook (2025), support would go to projects and initiatives in communities around the wind farm. The annual fund would be linked to generation and set at €2 for every megawatt hour produced. Based on projected output, this is expected to deliver multi-million-euro benefits over the lifetime of the project, significantly increasing support compared with SSE's current West Sligo funds. The wind farm would also be a substantial contributor to commercial rates, aiding wider local infrastructure and services.

Ghislain Demeuldre, Ireland Head of Onshore Wind, Solar and Battery Development at SSE Renewables, said: "Our plans for the proposed Crumhach Wind Farm represent the next generation of wind power in West Sligo, building on more than two decades of delivering clean, homegrown electricity from Kingsmountain and Dunneill. By redeveloping these two sites with a new single wind farm capable of generating almost triple the existing renewable energy capacity at the site, we can ensure that Sligo continues to play a vital role in Ireland's renewable energy future.

"Projects like Crumhach are critical to strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels in an increasingly uncertain world. If approved, we are committed to ensuring the project continues our strong track record of supporting local jobs, investment and long-term community benefit in Sligo."

Final delivery would depend on SSE obtaining planning consent for the wind farm, separate consent for the new grid connection route, securing a commercial route to market, and a final investment decision.

The planning application and supporting documents, including the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS), can be viewed and downloaded at www.crumhachwfplanning.com. Physical copies can be inspected or purchased (for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of copying) during public opening hours for seven weeks from 14 August 2026 at the following locations:

- The Offices of An Coimisiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 (9:15am–5:30pm, Monday–Friday)

- The Offices of Sligo County Council, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo, F91 PP44 (10:00am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday)

Submissions or observations may be made only to An Coimisiún Pleanála, in writing or online at www.pleanala.ie, during the same seven-week period commencing on 14 August 2026.