Aught Wind Farm Planning Application Lodged in Donegal
A formal application has been submitted for a Donegal wind farm project that has the potential to feature the tallest wind turbines in Ireland. wind turbines Applications have been made by Aught Windfarm Limited to Donegal County Council requesting permission to build the facility across the Quigley’s Point townlands of Aught, Ture, and Three Trees. Should these structures reach their peak proposed altitude of 202 metres, they would exceed the 185-metre turbines located at Statkraft’s Cushaling Wind Farm along the Kildare–Offaly border by 17 metres, which presently hold the record as the highest functioning turbines nationwide.
The developer is seeking a 10-year planning permission period for a 40-year operational life from the date of commission of the entire wind farm. The development would consist of six new wind turbines, each carrying a generating capacity ranging from 4.26MW to 4.80MW. This configuration gives the project a combined generating capacity of between 25.56MW and 28.8MW.
Turbine dimensions reach heights matching skyscrapers
The total tip range for the proposed structures falls between 150m and 202m. Rotor diameters span from 133m to 138m, while hub heights range from 81m to 135m. Were the maximum 202m tip range achieved, the turbines in Inishowen could reach heights comparable to a 60- to 70-storey skyscraper. For comparison, St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny stands at 73m tall, while the chimneys of the Poolbeg Power Station in Dublin reach 207m.
Exact turbine dimensions remain unconfirmed in the current application. Donegal County Council issued a design flexibility opinion on July 31, allowing the developer to select turbine models within specified parameters rather than locking into a single fixed size prior to approval.
Application provides for foundations and access tracks
The planning application provides for the construction of six wind turbine foundations, crane hardstand areas, and temporary assembly areas. It also covers permanent upgrades to existing entrances to turbine parcels off the L-18111 local road. The proposal includes approximately 2km of new site access tracks and the upgrade of about 3.4km of existing site access tracks, featuring passing bays and associated drainage.
Additional infrastructure outlined in the application includes three temporary construction compounds, three borrow pits, permanent spoil storage areas, underground electrical and communications cabling, and a new 125m permanent meteorological mast. Construction work on the site would take approximately 18 to 24 months if permission is granted.
Proposal exceeds scale of earlier plans
The current proposal is much larger than earlier plans for the same location. Approximately 11 years ago, Donegal County Council granted planning permission to Aught Wind Farm Ltd for a 14-turbine project where the maximum overall height reached 100.5 metres.
In a supporting document submitted with the application, multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm Jennings O’Donovan noted that the project aligns with national priorities. The firm stated that the development will contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy generation, which, in the context of the ongoing climate emergency, represents an urgent national priority requiring significant weight under national and international policies. The project also falls under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive III, which establishes mandatory timelines for permit approvals across member states.
Common Questions About the Quigley’s Point Development
How many wind turbines are proposed for the Aught Wind Farm?
The developer has applied for permission to construct six wind turbines across the areas of Aught, Ture, and Three Trees near Quigley’s Point.
What is the projected operational lifespan of the wind farm?
Aught Windfarm Limited is seeking a 40-year operational life starting from the commission date of the entire wind farm, alongside a 10-year window to complete construction.
How do these proposed turbines compare to existing structures in Ireland?
At their maximum height of 202 metres, they would surpass the 185-metre turbines at the Cushaling Wind Farm in Offaly, making them the tallest wind turbines in the country if approved and built.
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