€64m wind farm due to be operational by 2018

A €64m wind farm being constructed by the ESB and Coillte in north Cork is due to become commercially operational by May 2018.

The two companies — who are operating the project on a 50-50 joint venture basis — yesterday announced financial closure on the 33.1 megawatt Castlepook Wind Farm, near Doneraile, where construction began in April.

When Castlepook — which was granted planning approval by An Bord Pleanála three years ago — is fully operational, it will generate enough power for around 17,000 homes per year.