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Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm

A project of BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd.

Overview

BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd. is exploring the opportunity to develop a wind farm on land at Gooseberryhill, Co. Cork. The projected generating capacity of the proposed wind farm is enough to supply approximately 40,000 homes annually with clean, renewable electricity.

The project will benefit the local community through an inclusive Community Benefit Fund, which will allow a wide range of individuals and organisations to benefit from the proposed wind farm. It also has the potential for job creation during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project, as well as opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain.

BayWa r.e. Ireland understand the importance of community engagement at every stage of a project’s development process. We have created this page to share information about the proposal, provide details on upcoming public information events, and to gather community feedback. The Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm development information page will be available and updated throughout the application process.

Project status

Detailed environmental studies are continuing across the study area including ecology, hydrology, noise, and landscape and visual assessments. As the project is at an early stage the proposed number, location and height of the turbines has not been fully determined. We expect to have a draft turbine layout to present to the local community for feedback in the coming months. The proposed wind farm will be designed to enable it to align with the Draft Wind Energy Guidelines (2019), and feedback gained through the community engagement process will inform the final detailed design and formal planning submission.

Meteorological mast location

A meteorological mast was installed at Gooseberryhill Townland in August 2023 as part of ongoing wind measurements. In October 2024, an application was submitted to Cork County Council to retain the mast for a further 36 months. The mast monitors wind speed, wind direction, and other meteorological conditions in the area. This data collection is essential for assessing local conditions and ensuring that our design team is informed by accurate, up-to-date information. Once the measurements are completed, the mast will be fully dismantled, and the land will be restored to its original state.

Benefits to the local community

Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm has the potential to bring significant positive benefits to the local community. The project will support local employment; it will contribute annual rates to the local authority, and it will provide a Community Benefit Fund in line with the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).

RESS is a policy initiative to deliver on the Government’s Climate Action Plan. An important feature of RESS is that all projects must establish a Community Benefit Fund to be used for the wider environmental, social and economic well-being of the local community. The scheme mandates all RESS projects to contribute €2 per MWh annually into a community fund for the RESS contract period i.e. the first 15 years of the wind farm’s operation. Under RESS, communities will be at the heart of the decision-making process. The focus of the funds should support local initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as energy upgrade (retrofit) of homes, restoration work for local buildings, and sports ground refurbishments.

If the project seeks an alternative route to market other than RESS, BayWa r.e. Ireland pledges to match these contributions.

The development brings employment opportunities during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project. Demand for a wide range of products and services will create indirect employment and opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain.

Under current guidelines, Cork County Council would receive a significant contribution in annual rates from Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm. This will have a positive impact on local infrastructure and amenities such as roads and public lighting.

Environmental studies and sensitives

The environment is extremely important to us. Thorough studies and surveys in and around the study area are essential to design a wind farm that respects the surrounding landscape and environment. In designing a layout for the proposed Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm, a number of factors will be considered including:

  • Noise

  • Setback Distance from Residential Property

  • Visual Impact

  • Environmental Sensitivity

  • Shadow Flicker

  • Rivers and Streams

  • Grid Access

  • Telecommunications Links

  • County Development Plans

  • Existing Infrastructure

Project timeline

Step 1

Detailed studies

Detailed environmental studies are continuing across the study area including ecology, hydrology, noise and landscape and visual assessment to determine a draft turbine layout for Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm.

Step 2

Draft Turbine Layout

A draft turbine layout will be presented to the local community for feedback. Our Community Liaison Officer will be available to speak one-to-one with homeowners in the area.

Step 3

Public Information Event

A number of public information events will be arranged locally, where you can meet the team, learn about the proposal, and submit your feedback.

Step 4

Proposed Final Turbine Layout

Having gathered and considered all the feedback along with finalising the detailed studies required, we will prepare a proposed final design. The Community Liaison Officer will communicate any changes made to the design and will be available to discuss the proposals.

Step 5

Planning Submission

BayWa r.e. Ireland will submit a planning application for Gooseberry Hill Wind Farm to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Additional resources

How does wind energy work?

illustration of how wind farm generates energy

Frequently Asked Questions

Get in touch

Alison Murphy
Community Engagement Manager
+35 321 2378 200
Write an email