PERMISSION has been granted for a wind farm near Drinagh to continue operating for a further 20 years.

Cork County Council gave the green light to SSE for its Coomatallin Wind Farm, which was originally granted planning permission in 2001 and started operating in 2006.

The decision allows SSE Renewables to continue generating wind energy at the site up to 2046, but does not provide for any increase in the number or size of the turbines.

SSE Renewables said the decision means it can continue to support the local community through its community fund, which has awarded almost €290,000 to more than 150 local projects since it was set up 20 years ago.

As one of Ireland’s earliest wind farms, the four-turbine Coomatallin Wind Farm has generated enough renewable energy each year to help power the equivalent of over 4,000 homes, helping displace significant volumes of harmful carbon dioxide.

Ciaran Maguire of SSE Renewables said: ‘With this life extension, [Coomatallin] will continue playing its important role in renewable energy production to combat climate change.’