Bord na Móna expects to submit the planning application for the project within the next two months.

In total, Bord na Móna plans to have 1,500MW of installed power capacity in place by 2020, with 700MW of that coming from wind power.

When operational it will improve the geographical distribution of wind energy facilities nationally and contribute to more balanced input of wind energy to the grid in support of the Government’s 40% target for electricity from renewable energy sources.

The company says its plans will help to ensure that by 2020, 40% of electricity generated in the state will come from renewable sources.

An application for connection of the wind farm to the national grid has been made to EirGrid. It is included in the Gate 3 list of projects to be processed for connection and it is scheduled to get an offer for connection to the system in early 2011.

A planning application is currently being prepared for the project and will be submitted to Offaly County Council.

As part of the planning process, an environmental impact study (EIS) is being carried out into the potential impacts of the proposed development on the local environment.

When operational, the farm will generate enough electricity to supply the needs of approximately 45,000 homes with green electricity and it will prevent the emission every year of 125,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.

In doing so, it will help to combat climate change and contribute to the country achieving its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets as well as contributing to the achievement of the EU’s mandatory renewable energy target set for Ireland.