Irish renewable energy group Gaelectric has secured full planning approval for a 42mw wind farm at Dunbeg, Co Derry. This will create around 40 construction jobs.

A spokeswoman for the company said Dunbeg will be one of the most significant wind farm developments on the island of Ireland and will generate sufficient renewable power to meet the electricity demand of 24,000 homes. The total investment will be £58 million.

Chief executive Brendan McGrath said the move would greatly strengthen Gaelectric’s platform in the energy market.

“We have now secured planning approval for over 80mw of wind energy developments in Northern Ireland. The Dunbeg site is a world-class energy resource and accounts for over half of this generation capacity.”