Bord na Móna (BnM) and SSE Renewables are inviting local residents and stakeholders to view updated proposals for the Bellair Wind Farm, planned across the Bellair North and Bellair South bogs on the border of Counties Offaly and Westmeath.

The onshore project, being co-developed by BnM and SSE, is designed to deliver around 80–90MW on BnM lands near Ballinahown, Ballycumber, Castledaly, Moate and Tubber, building on the area's long-standing energy heritage to supply homes and businesses with renewable power and support regional economic activity.

The latest draft design sets out 12 wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 220 metres. The proposed infrastructure footprint would cover less than 5% of the overall development site.

A constraint-led design approach, ongoing stakeholder engagement, and extensive environmental studies and on-site surveys have shaped the layout to avoid and minimise potential environmental impacts.

A series of Community Engagement Events will run from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 September at venues in Moate and Ballinahown (County Westmeath) and Ballycumber (County Offaly).

Attendees will be able to review the latest draft layout, ask questions, share views, and suggest ideas for a draft amenity plan that will be developed for the wind farm.

-- Advertisement --

Paul Bonar, Bellair Wind Farm Project Manager at SSE Renewables, said: "We're pleased to be inviting residents and stakeholders to attend our upcoming Community Engagement Events and learn more about our latest plans for Bellair Wind Farm.

"These events are an important opportunity for members of the community to view the draft wind farm layout, speak directly with the project team and help shape the next stage of the project. We want to hear local views, and the feedback received during this consultation will help inform the final design, construction and operation of the proposed wind farm."

Karina Dennigan, BnM Community Relations and Advocacy Manager, said: "BnM and SSE are focused on delivering 800 MW of wind energy to support Ireland's energy security. At BnM, we are committed to building strong and lasting relationships with communities, and these consultations provide an important opportunity for local people to meet the project team, share their views and help inform the proposed development. Community feedback is essential to ensuring Bellair Wind Farm is developed in a way that contributes positively to local communities and economies, while supporting Ireland's transition to a resilient, low-carbon energy system and the goals of the National Development Plan. The project team will be on hand to discuss queries and provide further information."

BnM and SSE expect to submit a final planning application for the development to An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2027. If consented and approved for delivery, Bellair Wind Farm would provide more homegrown, secure and affordable electricity for Irish consumers while supporting jobs and investment in the region.

The Community Engagement Events will take place from 5pm to 8.30pm each day at the following locations:

- Tuesday 8 September – The Carmelite Centre, The Newtown, Moate, Co. Westmeath, N37 AW24

- Wednesday 9 September – Ballinahown Community Hall, Ballinahown, Co. Westmeath, N37 D768

- Thursday 10 September – Ballycumber Community Centre, Moorock, Ballycumber, Co. Offaly, R35 T1H5

Members of the Bellair Wind Farm team will be on hand at each event to answer questions and provide further information on the proposals and the consultation process.

For more information, contact Community Liaison Specialist Enda on 087 057 9141 or email [email protected]. Further details are available at bellairwindfarm.ie.