SSE granted planning permission to extend life of Coomatallin Wind Farm

SSE has been granted planning permission by Cork County Council to extend the operational life of its Coomatallin Wind Farm near Drinagh in West Cork for a further 20 years. Coomatallin Wind Farm first received planning approval in 2001 and began commercial operation in 2006, with its original consent restricting operations to 20 years from commissioning. The newly approved extension now enables SSE Renewables to keep producing renewable electricity at the site through to 2046. The approval does not include any changes to the quantity or scale of turbines installed at the wind farm.

The approval allows SSE Renewables to maintain its backing of the surrounding area through the long-running Coomatallin Community Fund. Since it was introduced in 2006, the fund has distributed nearly €290,000 to over 150 projects, benefiting a broad mix of local programs and initiatives. In parallel, the wind farm will continue to generate commercial rate payments to Cork County Council, contributing ongoing revenue to support regional roads, infrastructure, and public services. Over almost 20 years of operation, the four-turbine Coomatallin Wind Farm has played a meaningful role in clean energy generation. Annually, its output has been sufficient to supply electricity comparable to the needs of more than 4,000 households.