Turbines set to arrive at Altaveedan Farm

The construction team at the 9-turbine wind farm, just outside Loughgiel, is preparing to welcome the first wind turbine components to site during this week commencing 3rd October.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Oct 2016, 10:08 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2016, 14:45 BST

The Abnormal Loads will be transported on specially designed heavy goods vehicles in convoys of up to three components. Each convoy will begin its journey at Larne Harbour and continue along the motorway network to Ballymena and then heading north towards Ballymoney, the convoy will turn right off the A44 onto Lagge Road continuing onto Coolkeeran Road, before turning left onto Glenbush Road, right onto Altnahinch Road and making the final approach to the site onto Shelton Road and crossing the Crockan Bridge where they are expected to arrive. Depending on the status of road works at the A26/A44 Junction the deliveries may need to be diverted continuing along the A26 turning right onto the Kilraughts Road(B16) and then reconnecting with the A44.

To ensure safety for all road users, each convoy will be escorted by dedicated escort vehicles, including the police who will be constantly monitoring traffic conditions and will decide which passing places to use along the route to minimise disruption as far as possible.

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There will be one convoy per day from Monday-Friday unless otherwise agreed with the relevant authorities and police escort team. All deliveries are expected to have been made by early December 2016.

RES has sent newsletters to more than 200 properties in the area with information about the delivery route. Noel Breslin, RES Construction Site Manager for Altaveedan Wind Farm, comments: “In an effort to avoid causing unnecessary disruption to other road users, turbine deliveries will be accompanied by escort vehicles and will endeavor to work around school drop off and pick up times. However it is important to note that the advised delivery timeframes are subject to traffic conditions on the day. Whilst we have provided these conservative estimates to help local homes and businesses to plan their journeys, delivery schedules are subject to change. RES will continue to keep people as informed as possible and we thank the travelling public for their continued patience.”

The delivery schedule will be published on the project website www.altaveedan-windfarm.co.uk alongside updates on construction progress.

Altaveedan Wind Farm is on course to start generating electricity in spring 2017, triggering a community benefits package of over £2.2 million over the 25 year operational lifetime of the wind farm. The annual £90,000 community benefits package comprises a Community Benefit Fund to support local projects and RES’ innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS), which offers nearest neighbours £200 off their annual electricity bill every year. RES has sent letters to eligible properties - located within 2.7km of the wind turbines - to confirm the discount and provide an update on the scheme.

Once fully operational, Altaveedan Wind Farm will be capable of generating enough renewable electricity to meet the average annual requirements of more than 12,000 homes.