One of the first ever wind farms has been decommissioned
One of the first wind farms to ever operate in the country has been decommissioned.
Work carried out by BnM, which started in November, involved the removal of 21 turbines at Bellacorrick Wind Farm in Co.Mayo.
The farm had only been expected to operate for 25 years when it first opened on October 12th, 1992.
During its lifetime, the wind farm with a combined installed capacity of 6.45 megawatts has generated enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 4,500 homes per annum.
The decommissioning of Bellacorick Wind Farm will make way for the development of Phase 3 of Oweninny Wind Farm, Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm.
Just one of the 18 turbines to be installed as part of Phase 3 of Oweninny Wind Farm has the potential to provide as much energy generation as all of the 21 turbines at Bellacorick Wind Farm combined.
As part of the decommissioning programme, turbine components from Bellacorick Wind Farm are being recycled by Plaswire.
It is a specialist materials company that participated in BnM’s 2025 Accelerate Green programme, a dedicated accelerator programme helping sustainability-focused companies to scale their businesses.
Plaswire has developed a solution to ensure wind turbine components are processed, repurposed, and reintroduced into manufacturing, rather than being sent to landfill.
Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, said: “Bellacorick Wind Farm holds a key place in Ireland’s renewable energy history.
"Its development more than 30 years ago demonstrated real leadership and foresight by BnM as Ireland embarked upon its renewable energy journey, a journey which has seen the evolution of a strong renewable energy landscape over its lifetime.
"The decommissioning of the site to make way for modern renewable infrastructure as part of Oweninny Wind Farm reflects how far Ireland has progressed in delivering a sustainable energy future.”
Tom Egan, BnM Head of Asset Management, said: “Bellacorick stands as a milestone in Ireland’s renewable energy journey.
BnM, has removed 21 turbines from its site at Bellacorrick Wind Farm.
"Its successful full lifecycle reflects the pioneering role it played in shaping the country’s clean energy future.
"As we transition the site into Oweninny Phase 3, we’re unlocking further potential for next-generation renewable energy powered by cutting-edge, more efficient technology—driving progress toward a sustainable Ireland.”
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