A proposed wind turbine in Miltown Malbay has been refused planning permission with an appeal now issued to An Coimisiún Pleanála after it was refused planning permission last month.
Slievenalicka Locally Owned Turbine Ltd had previously applied to Clare County Council for the construction of a singular wind turbine but the proposed development was met with over 200 objections including government TDs and local cllrs.
The proposed development, at a site close to Rockmount National School, would have stood at 150m tall when completed. Construction of a 38kV electrical substation with a control building and welfare facilities were also planned for the site. The local authority refused planning permission for the development however due to visual amenity and environmental concerns, issues which were echoed by the windfarm’s numerous objectors including TDs Joe Cooney (FG), Cathal Crowe (FF) and Donna McGettigan (SF).
In their refusal, the local authority highlighted that “the proposed development would result in a significant north westerly extension of wind energy developments in the landscape and would give rise to an excessive proliferation of wind turbines at this rural location and would have adverse impacts on the visual amenities of the area and the views available from designated Scenic Routes”.
Potential impacts of the proposed development on the protected hen harrier were also highlighted in the chief executive’s order to refuse planning permission. The planning department noted that North and West Clare are important breeding areas for the bird of prey and stressed the danger of “potential habitat disturbance”, arising from the proposed development. Clare County Council further outlined the risks posed by the windfarm to the Marsh Fritillary butterfly by the development.
The local authority also highlighted the possible physical impact of the development on the surrounding landscape outside of visual amenities. As much of the surrounding area is made up of peat boglands, Clare County Council has noted that stability inspections must be carried out at the site to identify potential bog burst issues. The planning department also stated that they were not satisfied that the proposed development “would not be likely to have significant effects on Carrowmore Point to Spanish Point and Islands special area of conservation and the Mid-Clare coast special protection area”.
An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to make a decision on the proposed development within 18 months, according to its statutory objectives.
