Airtricity recently opened its 27-megawatt Tournafulla Wind Farm at Templeglantine, west County Limerick to the communities of West Limerick and North Kerry, allowing over 1,000 residents and visitors to observe how a wind turbine works. The event coincided with Global Wind Day celebrations.

The Tournafulla Wind Farm can power 18,000 homes and prevent the release of 31,000 to 74,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. The Tournafulla Wind Farm is expected to help Ireland meet its targets of 40% renewables by 2020 and 20% carbon emissions reduction as mandated by the EU.

During the event, children were invited by Airtricity to “touch a turbine” and leave painted handprints on the base of the turbine towers. At the nearby Devon Inn, families were treated to an Airtricity-sponsored gala community party with free barbeque and refreshments, face painters, balloon modelers, bouncy castles, and interactive science presentations.

“Developments such as Airtricity’s Tournafulla Wind Farm bring very significant local benefits. Services in Limerick will benefit with the contribution of €1 million per annum in local authority rates; landowners in the area can derive a source of income at a time when traditional farming revenues are being tightened; and our fine local volunteers and community groups will benefit from the community fund,” said politician John Cregan TD at the opening ceremonies.

“Airtricity is at an advanced stage of its €270 million investment into our four Limerick wind farms at Tournafulla, Knockastana, Dromada and Athea. Through Airtricity’s annual local community fund and paid for the life time of the wind farm, Airtricity will direct investment specifically for the communities adjacent to the wind farm and is our way of contributing to the future sustainable development of the area. This year, we will present €50,000 to community groups in the Templeglantine area from the community fund,” said Airtricity general manager for Ireland, Stephen Wheeler.

Airtricity invited the community to switch to the company for savings of up to 13% on their home electric bills. The company is Scottish and Southern Energy’s renewable energy arm. It serves more than 60,000 customers in Ireland, offering the cheapest standalone rates in the country. Airtricity offers rates 13% cheaper than what the Irish utility Electricity Supply Board offers.


-  Jen Balboa

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Sources:

¹ http://www.airtricity.com/ireland/about_us/
² http://www.esb.ie/main/home/index.jsp