North Down's New Wind Turbine under Construction at Balloo

An 850KW wind turbine is being constructed in Balloo that will supply ‘green energy’ to its nearby recycling centre and depot.

North Down Borough Council started work this week on the construction of an 850KW wind turbine in Balloo that will supply ‘green energy’ to its nearby recycling centre and depot.

Mayor of North Down, Councillor Dr Stephen Farry, MLA, visited the site to review the work and commented: “Council is committed to using energy from renewable sources wherever possible and the construction of this wind turbine is perhaps our most ambitious ‘green’ energy project to date. The turbine will stand around 60m high and be a strong visible marker of the Borough’s green credentials.”

He continued: “As well as saving the environment, the turbine will save the Council money—in excess of £100K per year. We are delighted that work has started on the site and look forward to seeing the turbine going up over the summer months.”

Eimer O’Hare from the Sustainable Development Commission joined the Mayor at the site and welcomed the project. She said: “Northern Ireland has one of the best wind resources in Europe and is therefore particularly well suited to producing energy from this renewable source. The North Down Borough Council turbine will produce a sizeable amount of energy and it is very fitting that it will be used to power its new recycling and waste management facilities.”

The turbine is being sited in Balloo Wood, an under-used area of woodland off Balloo Avenue, featuring many mature beech, pine and sycamore trees. As part of the preparation for erecting the turbine, Council has landscaped the area and created new pathways. The wood is now fast becoming a popular spot for dog walkers and bird watchers.

Work to erect the turbine will be carried out throughout the summer and it is anticipated that it will be operational by September 2008.