CONSTRUCTION is commencing this month on the new Slieve Divena Wind Farm, between Sixmilecross and Ballygawley. The wind farm, which was developed by RES UK and Ireland Ltd, was granted planning permission in March and will consist of ten turbines.

The project is set to produce electricity equivalent to the needs of around 14,000 homes annually, cutting carbon emissions and providing a significant boost to Northern Ireland's renewable energy generation.

The wind farm will be built by Renewable Energy Systems Construction Ltd, using local company WH Alexander Construction Ltd of Omagh to undertake all the civil works. Construction is expected to last for 16 months, culminating in the arrival of the turbines in August 2008.

Site manager Harry Carey said, "We would like to forewarn local residents that there will be an increase in traffic movements arising from the construction and delivery programme and a traffic

management scheme will be in place intermittently for approximately twelve months during the construction period. We would like to apologise to local residents in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused by increased traffic travelling to and from the wind farm site."

A number of road closures will be required in order to allow upgrade work on the roads. However, there will be full access for residents. The initial period of road works will last for approximately six weeks and the Shantavny and Garvaghy Bridge.

Roads will be closed from July 23 to August 6. Further road closures will be required prior to turbine erection in August 2008.

Harry Carey continued, "We would like to assure the public that every effort will be made to carry out the works with minimum disruption. We would urge people to contact us immediately should they have any concerns on 028 2826 3320."