’Mines hydro at pre-planning

A pre-application proposal for the long-awaited Silvermines hydro-electric power plant has been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The RED III – Renewable Energy Directive – pre-application has been made ahead of the planned hydroelectric pumped storage power project in the townlands of Castlecranna, Garryard West, Gorteenadiha, Gortshaneroe, Shallee (Coughlan), Shallee (White), and Shallee Upper and Lower. The plan involves two 220kV substations and grid connection to the national transmission network, and all associated infrastructure.

The RED III pre-application process is a mandatory consultation and completeness check designed to ensure that all necessary environmental assessments and documentation are in place, thereby avoiding delays once formal planning timelines begin. An Coimisiún Pleanála is to decide on the case by September 24 next.

With a stated cost of €650 million, Siga-Hydro Limited’s Silvermines proposal will be able to power approximately 185,000 households. An estimated 400 jobs will be created during the construction phase.