Ballycumber Wind Farm, which describes itself as “a co-operative of local people from the Wicklow area,” announced this Tuesday that it had begun construction of six turbines and underground cable to connect the development to the national grid in Arklow.

The company said in a statement that the €38m, 19.2MW wind farm would be located at least 1km from the nearest residence and “will not impact any residential area or homestead when it becomes operational” in early 2018.

It highlighted the environmental benefits of wind energy, the 50 people employed during the construction phase and its commitment to improve local roads and contribute to a local school fund.

Protests

A number of local landowners mounted protests against the development in August, including farmers complaining about the effect of the turbines on livestock.

They blocked construction of the underground connection cable along a public road and Ballycumber Wind Farm launched a High Court action against the protesters to allow the works to proceed.

The High Court did not issue an order at the latest hearing into the case on Monday and a member of the protest group told the Irish Farmers Journal that the dispute would continue pending a court decision.

Full coverage: wind farms

Construction begins on controversial Wicklow wind farm

Ballycumber Wind Farm says it has broken ground in south Co Wicklow, but a group of local landowners continue to oppose the project in court.