The site for the proposed Cordal Wind Farm is on the county boundary between Cork and Kerry east of Castleisland, Co. Kerry and north west of Ballydesmond, Co. Cork. Cordal was chosen as the most suitable site for this venture owing to a number of factors:

• Wind speed measurements indicate that they are high enough to justify the economic harnessing of the wind for electricity.

• The site is well served with roads within the site and from surrounding main roads.

• The site is reasonably close to the National Grid at various locations. This is necessary so that electricity can be exported from the wind farm.

• The turbines would not be visible from large areas of surrounding countryside and, where visible, it would mostly be a distant view.

• Few people live close to the site.

The ecological quality of a large proportion of the area has already been substantially damaged by the presence of monoculture forestry. The operation of the wind farm would not affect the existing animals and plants and would tend instead to benefit the ecology of the area because the wind farm will use only 1-2% of the overall site. The planning process involved discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to how the turbines can co-exist with Hen Harrier hawks which use the site. It also involved close liaison with the Irish Aviation Authority in regard to changes in approach procedures for aircraft using Kerry Airport.

Saorgus Energy Ltd. has secured connection to the electricity network under Gates 2 & 3 of the Group Processing Scheme. The exact timescale is currently being developed by Eirgrid, and once the offer for connection is made by Eirgrid and agreement reached between Saorgus Energy and Eirgrid, construction will commence. It is envisaged that this will happen in 2012.

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