Derrybrien windfarm begins commercial operation

Hibernian wind power's latest windfarm, at Derrybrien in Co Galway is providing electricity into the grid. The €70million windfarm is Ireland's largest in terms of turbines and began producing electricity in October last year.

A landslide at the site during construction in October 2003 halted construction for a year and added about to the final cost of the project. Two independent reports into the landslide recommended changes to work practices at the site, all these changes were incorporated into the building of the windfarm. The new work practices have become benchmark for construction on upland bog.

The windfarm on top of the Slieve Aughty range now adds 60 megawatts to the electricity network. This is enough electricity to supply 45,000 homes.

Other plants in the Hibernian portfolio include Crockahenny, Co Donegal, where there are ten turbines producing 5 megawatts of power, and Carnsore, Co Wexford, where there are 14 turbines producing 12 megawatts of power.

Planned windfarms over the next 18 months to two years include nine turbines at Moneypoint, Co Clare, and 17 turbines at Mount Lodge, Co Cavan. Hibernian Wind provides 77 megawatts, or 16pc of the energy.