MASS objections from local residents and several politicians have led to Clare County Council refusing to grant planning permission for a wind turbine in West Clare.
Permission for the development was refused on the grounds of visual amenity and environmental concerns, as well as objections from local residents, county cllrs, wind action groups and government TDs.
Slievenalicka Locally Owned Turbine Ltd had previously applied to Clare County Council for the construction of a singular wind turbine at the West Clare townland close to Rockmount National School. When completed, the structure would have stood at 150m tall. Construction of a 38kV electrical substation with a control building and welfare facilities were also planned for the site.
Visual concerns and over proliferation of windfarms in the area were the main gripes amongst objectors, including Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF). The Meelick native issued an objection to the local authority stating that “This area is being unfairly targeted. With the imminent Slievenacurry application to An Coimisiún Pleanála and the existing Slieve Callan turbines, this development represents a massive proliferation of industrial infrastructure in a rural setting. This contradicts the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029. The added noise, shadow flicker and visual dominance of a 150m structure would be overbearing”.
Sinn Féin representative Donna McGettigan TD held similar views, expressing concern that the proposed development would be located far too close to neighbouring homes. “The proposed turbines are too large and too close to existing residential dwellings. There is no way that turbines of that size should be permitted at the proposed distances from homes”.
“Community viewpoints were ignored and discarded. The community places a higher value on their tranquil environment and scenic beauty than any miserly contribution that has little or no benefit for the people who are to be most impacted by the proposed windfarm”, the Shannon woman added.
McGettigan was using her platform to express opinions widely held by locals in the area, including Caroline and Noel Hayes of nearby Miltown Malbay, who noted in their objection that “When applying for planning permission to build a dwelling house, people are often limited to the height at which the house is allowed to be constructed due to ‘the skyline’. How on earth can Clare County Council justify the development of 150m tall wind turbines? Where are the aforementioned skyline concerns here? It appears to be one law for the normal people and another law for the big developers”.
O’Callaghansmills native Joe Cooney TD (FG) issued a five point submission explaining his concerns regarding the proposed development, noting that “The principle behind the development of renewable energy projects is one I have no objection to; however, the local authority has a responsibility to balance these developments against the right of nearby residents to full enjoy the amenity of their homes”.
Elected representatives from across the county made further submissions against the proposed development including cllrs Bill Slattery (FG), Joe Garrihy (FG), Shane Talty (FF) and newly elected Mayor of Ennis Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) who cited potential biodiversity issues arising from the development. “This area already hosts an existing large windfarm and the local residents have experienced an acute deterioration in living amenities. This is an area rich in wildlife with a prominence of many protected species. It is extremely crucial that the biodiversity balance is not disturbed or impacted”, the Clarecastle representative stressed.
Slievenalicka Locally Owned Turbine Ltd now has four weeks to issue an appeal to An Bord Pleanála following Clare County Council’s refusal to grant planning permission.
