More than two decades after its first plan for the area was foiled by public opposition, the ESB is at last set to build a generating plant on Carnsore Point, Co Wexford.
In 1978, a proposed nuclear power station sparked a public outcry, culminating in a rally at the Point that attracted 5,000 people. The event was seen by some as the start of the green movement in Ireland. After further demonstrations in the following two years, the project was put on hold and quietly dropped.
This time the ESB has secured the approval of at least some environmentalists with its plan for a wind farm capable of powering approximately 10,000 homes. Construction of the plant is due to begin in the next few weeks.
The project has not been without controversy of its own, however. Wexford County Council initially refused planning permission after objections from local residents.
The Carnsore Concerned Residents Group claimed the wind farm would devalue property, destroy the scenery and cause noise. Their view was supported by the council, which said the project would be in conflict with noise guidelines and interfere with views of special amenity value.
An appeal by the ESB to An Bord Pleanála was successful in June 2000, but the battle did not end there. Residents then objected to a planning application for a 38kv power line connecting the plant to the national grid.
This also went to An Bord Pleanála, which finally approved the project at the end of last year. The wind farm will be only the second in the State operated by the ESB. Its 14 turbines, which will have a total generating capacity of 12 megawatts of electricity, are being supplied by a Danish manufacturer, Vestas.
The turbines will be transported by sea to Rosslare in July, with installation taking place in the following months. In the meantime, site preparation and foundation construction work will be carried out.
The project manager, Mr John Stanley of the ESB, said the wind farm would supply green energy to thousands of homes and help Ireland to meet its commitments under the Kyoto protocol. It would replace the need for the importation of 7,200 tonnes of fossil fuels per year, and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 30,000 tonnes.
"Ireland has the best wind energy resource in Europe and this plant will operate at a very high level of efficiency," he said. "It will be constructed to the best international standards, utilising local resources, wherever possible, including manpower and materials." About 25 jobs are to be created during the construction phase.
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