Special Measures in the Public Interest (Derrybrien Wind Farm) Bill 2023

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The measure would move the Derrybrien wind farm into public hands by transferring the site, the company’s shares, and the lease rights to the Western Development Commission. It would also rename Gort Wind Farms Limited as Derrybrien Community Wind Farm Company Limited by Guarantee, keep its existing contracts in place, and let the transfer happen outside the normal company-law rules. In addition, it would stop local enforcement action that could force the wind farm to be dismantled without ministerial consent, while creating a dedicated fund for peatland restoration, community projects, and other environmental work in the Derrybrien area and the wider west. It matters because the aim is to preserve a working renewable-energy asset, support electricity supply security, and redirect any benefits from the site toward public and environmental purposes.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act, in the public interest, to assist in maintaining the security of the electricity supply system in the State, and for that purpose to provide for the transfer to the western development commission of the Derrybrien wind farm; to effect the transfer of shares in Gort Windfarms Limited to the Western Development Commission; to provide for the removal of persons from certain offices positions or employment with Gort wind farms limited and provide for the appointment of persons to those offices or positions or that employment; to extinguish certain rights; to provide for the re-naming of Gort Wind Farms Limited; to provide for the transfer of the lessee’s interest in the lands at Derrybrien; to disapply certain provisions of the Companies Acts and other enactments in so far as they relate to Gort wind farms limited; to provide for the preservation of contracts; to provide for the making of regulations; and to provide for connected matters.  

Last updated 30 January 2025