Despite reports stating that a major 600mw wind farm project would be based off the Ardglass coast the team behind the scheme has told the Reporter that the project could be located close to Kilkeel. Indeed the facility which First Flight Wind Ltd say will be the biggest infrastructural investment ever in Northern Ireland could be located anywhere from the Lecale Peninsula to the edge of Carlingford Lough. Either way the project is likely to be developed at least 8km off the coast of a newly merged Newry and Mourne and Down District Council. Should the project progress according to plan on site work is scheduled to commence in 2016 with First Flight hoping to start producing power in 2020. It is estimated that the project could meet 20 per cent of Northern Ireland’s energy requirements whilst creating sustainable employment in the process. The impetus for the project comes as a result of the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment that 40 per cent of our electricity needs will come from renewable resources by 2020. As part of the projects development a series of public consultations will take place over the coming weeks – starting from a community consultation in the Slieve Donard Hotel from 11am this morning (Wednesday October 24). Further information days will take place throughout November including dates in Kilkeel’s Nautilus Centre (November 5) and Carlingford’s Heritage Centre (November 7). Information on the project will also be available in Annalong Barbican, Kilkeel Library. Warrenpoint Library and Carlingford Tourist Office.
Newry Reporter
24th October 2012
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