€23m Kerry windfarm starts supplying Energia
The €23 million project is located over three sites in north Kerry’s Stacks Mountains and Castleisland. When operating to full capacity, it will produce enough energy to supply electricity to 14,000 homes. It is 10 years since Trá Investments’ plans for the project were first submitted to Kerry County Council.
Chairman of Trá Investments, Brendan Walsh, said it marks a major step forward for Trá Investments and for its stakeholders who “met many challenges along the way”.
“We believe our partnership with Energia will not only deliver a significant and secure long-term return on investment but will also contribute to Ireland’s commitment towards a longer term sustainable energy alternative,” he said.
James Cronin of Energia said they have “invested significantly in developing a portfolio of renewable power to meet this growing demand for green power”.
“We currently have over 220 MW of operational windfarms, and a further 400 MW in development, and have consistently been one of the largest investors in the renewable sector. This results in the elimination of over 350,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year from the Irish atmosphere – the equivalent of removing the emissions of over 160,000 1400cc cars from our MNroads.”
Enercon Ireland, who supplied the 16 turbines, signed a 12-year maintenance agreement with Trá Investments who are a subsidiary of Lee Strand. Trá Investments also signed land lease agreements with the 13 farmers whose land they are using. The landowners will be paid an annual leasing fee based on the farm’s annual output.
Lee Strand management have said they are optimistic about the sustainability of its portfolio which includes Tralee’s multi-storey car park, Radio Kerry and an apartment complex. They have said they will be making a “significant announcement” in relation to its Tralee Centrepoint development in the future.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
