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SSE Renewables opens public consultation on Doraville wind farm proposal

04 Sep 2014

SSE Renewables, Northern Ireland’s largest renewable energy developer, will commence a 12 week consultation process for a wind farm proposal at Doraville in Co. Tyrone, starting with a community consultation event to be held at the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, on Wednesday 10th September from 4pm - 7pm.

As part of the company’s ongoing assessment of suitable wind farm development sites, SSE Renewables is currently undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a potential wind farm development west of Draperstown, Co. Derry-Londonderry and northwest of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.

The public consultation period will provide members of the public with the opportunity to provide feedback, ask questions or to raise any concerns they may have, following the initial feasibility work carried out by SSE.

Speaking ahead of the event Ms. Bronagh Gormley, SSE Renewables Community Liaison Officer based at the Omagh Entreprise Centre, said:

“The Northern Ireland Executive has made a commitment to generate 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. We are committed to working with Government and with the community to help meet this target. Earlier this year we made a presentation to a number of local councils at the early stages of the Doraville project.

“The next phase of this project is the pre-planning community consultation which will begin on the 10th September next with a public event in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh from 4pm to 7pm.

I hope that interested members of the public as well as elected representatives will take the opportunity to engage with us. Along with adverts in local newspapers, SSE has written to local residents, community groups and elected representatives within a 3 mile radius of the proposed development notifying them of this event. SSE also welcomes written comments on its proposal and contact details can be found at www.ireland.sse.com/doraville.

“Through the delivery of five wind farms in Northern Ireland to date, including our recent Slieve Kirk Wind Park project, SSE believes excellence in community engagement is critical towards the success of each of its wind farms. Our team of Community Liaison Officers based at the Omagh Entreprise Centre is responsible for delivering our community engagement strategy.

“As a responsible developer, we place an important emphasis on meaningful community engagement throughout each project’s lifecycle, establishing real connections that ensure a sustainable future for all.  The Doravil pre-planning consultation process including the upcoming consultation event is an important part of our ongoing local engagement process.”

Pre-Planning Community Consultation event, Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh

Wednesday 10th September 4pm - 7pm.