Renewed calls to reopen Derrybrien wind farm site

FRESH calls have been made for the dormant Derrybrien Wind Farm to be brought back into use amid ongoing concerns around electricity supply.

Published 17th May 2026, 22:13 BST Updated 17th May 2026, 22:17 BST Fresh calls for dormant Derrybrien Wind Farm to be brought back into use | Connacht Tribune FRESH calls have been made for the dormant Derrybrien Wind Farm to be brought back into use amid ongoing concerns around electricity supply. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

The wind farm, which includes 70 turbines, has been out of operation since 2022 following legal and planning issues after a peat landslide at the site more than two decades ago.

The site was previously capable of generating enough electricity to power an estimated 55,000 homes.

Independent Galway County Councillor Geraldine Donohue is calling for renewed efforts to bring the wind farm back into operation. She argues that Ireland cannot afford to leave major renewable energy infrastructure unused while simultaneously seeking to expand wind energy elsewhere.

“These turbines are maintained every single day,” she told the Connacht Tribune.

With the flick of a button they could be turned back on. We are talking constantly about energy costs, energy security and climate targets, yet 70 turbines are sitting idle in one of the windiest parts of the country. We can't talk out of both sides of our mouths.

Last month, Cllr Donohue wrote to Tánaiste Simon Harris urging him to “do the right thing and be brave”.

In correspondence viewed by the Connacht Tribune, Cllr Donohue said she “had the pleasure of organising a delegation of the Seanad Independent Group to visit Derrybrien” to see “the enormous potential” and called for Derrybrien to be re-opened and contributing to the country's energy solutions.

The Derrybrien controversy dates back to 2003 when a major peat slide during construction caused significant environmental damage.

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In 2022, An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) refused consent for the development, which led to the wind farm being shut down.

A 2023 Bill introduced in the Seanad by Independent Senator Michael McDowell argued that reopening the wind farm could help support Ireland’s electricity supply and climate goals.

The legislation referenced warnings from EirGrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities over future risks to national energy security.

Cllr Donohue said dismantling the site would make little sense at a time when Ireland is seeking to dramatically increase renewable electricity generation.

“We are proposing new wind farms across the country, often in areas where communities are divided over them, while this infrastructure is already standing,” she said.

The wind blowing in Derrybrien is no different to the wind blowing in Monivea.

The councillor also said Galway County Council has lost significant commercial rates income since the site ceased operation, while local community groups have also been affected by the loss of associated funding.

“The turbines are turned off because Europe said so. At the very least, decision-makers should come and see the scale of what is there before deciding it should all be dismantled. It's the eighth wonder of the world.

“Galway County Council has lost commercial rates in the amount of approximately €1 million despite the council already being underfunded.”

The ESB has said that “decommissioning is necessary” following the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse substitute consent for the wind farm in February 2022 and a subsequent enforcement notice issued by Galway County Council in August 2024.

Related topics: Planning An Bord Pleanála Simon Harris Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.