ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) will carry out works to ensure the delivery of clean power "for generations to come" by 're-powering' one of its existing windfarms north of Donegal Town, County Donegal.

Constructed over 22 years ago, Barnesmore Windfarm's 25 turbines have been successfully generating up to 15 megawatts of renewable power since its opening in the late 1990s.

It is proposed that the existing turbines on site will be repowered or replaced with fewer, larger, more efficient turbines.

Depending on the size and number of turbines, the generating capacity of the re-powered Barnesmore Windfarm could be quadrupled up to 60 MW – but with a fewer number of turbines, most likely up to 13 turbines.

A series of public information days are planned to showcase the plans to the local community and answer any questions people may have. Along with collating public feedback, detailed environmental and technical surveys will take place prior to an application for planning consent being submitted to the local authority later this year.

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The project will also see the establishment of a community benefit package to share the benefits of the windfarm with those living locally.

Lindsay McQuade, CEO ScottishPower Renewables, said: "As one of the first windfarms in Ireland, Barnesmore has made a pioneering contribution to the country's renewable energy targets and low carbon objectives.

"Onshore wind is the cheapest source of renewable energy and by repowering the existing windfarm, we can substantially increase its generating capacity and output, delivering even more clean green energy to homes and businesses while supporting the Irish Government's 70% target for renewable electricity by 2030."

SPR has a long-standing presence on the island of Ireland successfully operating six onshore windfarms. Barnesmore was one of the first sites in the company portfolio and has been operating successfully for over 20 years. Major investments have also been made in key projects at Irish ports in support of the company's offshore wind developments.

As Ireland's cheapest source of new energy, onshore wind contributes to reducing energy imports and electricity bills. A comprehensive analysis of the Irish electricity market by independent energy experts Baringa estimated that wind energy reduced power prices by a total of €2.4 billion since 2000.