Mayo's wind energy capacity among highest in Ireland
Oweninny Wind Farm in North Mayo is the largest onshore facility of its kind in Ireland.
Mayo has the 5th highest wind energy capacity and generation in Ireland, generating enough electricity to power around 200,000 homes each year.
A new online platform by Wind Energy Ireland shows Mayo has a wind capacity of 358 MW – slightly more than Galway – and generates 829 GWh of renewable electricity annually.
The new ‘County Colours’ platform also shows that €676,466 has been invested in local communities through Local Community Benefit Funds, which comes from the energy generated by the wind farms.
The wind farms also contributed €3.5 million in rates to Mayo County Council.
The county with the highest energy generation through wind is Kerry (1,664 GWh) followed by Cork (1,421 GWh) and Tipperary (890 GWh).
Just ahead of Mayo was Galway with 833 GWh being generated by wind farms in the county.
Briain Kelly, of , said that wind energy is one of our most important resources, with the west coast being one of the windiest areas in all of Europe.
“The Wind Energy Ireland platform is great as it outlines clearly how wind energy production not only generates free, green energy, but also delivers real benefits to local communities,” said Mr Kelly.
“Across the West, wind farms are reducing carbon emissions while producing enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses.”
The new website shows the contributions made through community funds to support schools, local initiatives, and vital infrastructure.
“At the same time, the rates paid by wind farms are contributing significantly to county councils, boosting local services and facilities.”
