Successful Design, Build & Install of Ireland’s Biggest Wind Farm
Client
Energia is one of Ireland’s leading wind farm operators and tendered for the delivery of a 38 turbine, 95MW wind farm in Meedadreen, Co. Donegal. Our team was chosen to design, build, and install this prestigious project.
-
ProjectMeedadreen Windfarm
-
LocationMeedadreen, Co. Donegal
-
ClientEnergia
-
Completion2019
Challenge
Meedadreen in Co. Donegal is a remote location, with very limited access to roads and an almost non-existent road infrastructure adjacent to the site itself. Nearly 28k of roads would be required as a first step in the development, while Donegal’s rich environmental heritage means all project stakeholders need to be fully aware of their responsibilities in this context. Contractors would also need to maintain positive working relationships with people, landowners, and stakeholders in the region.
Work
Civil engineering and infrastructure development would play a crucial role in the ultimate success of this project and the large numbers involved reflected the size of the task.
- One million tonnes of rock was required for the construction of roads and hardstands.
- 3,000 truckloads of concrete for the foundations of the development was brought in by from a local plant
- 140,000 man hours were required to complete civil works
- 7.369Km of 110kV grid along with 32.4km of 33kV wind farm internal grid completed was included in the project
Working closely with Eirgrid, we completed all civil design for grid connection from Cloghers 110kV substation to Mulreavy 38kV substation.
In co-operation with ESB networks, right throughout the grid connection design and installation phases, we ensured all works were completed in accordance with ESBN specifications.
Throughout the life of the project, our team engaged with the local community on a weekly basis, while wind farm walks and community centre talks educated and informed the local residents.
On major rural developments, environmental protection is crucial. By employing a full-time environmental officer onsite throughout works, we made sure that stringent monitoring requirements and controls were in place to comply with environmental requirements.
Results
- With 38 turbines, the new facility is capable of producing enough electricity to power 125,000 homes using green energy.
- The wind farm is now seen as an integral part of the community and demonstrates the importance of transparent communications with local communities from planning right through to operations.
- Value of experience –in this case, the combination of civil engineering, and traditional construction project management ensured Datum had the experience and know-how to deliver a €20m Construction Project in just 12 months
