2157
a ten-year planning permission and a thirty- year operational life, from the date of commissioning, for an additional four (4) wind turbines to the nineteen (19) turbine Tullynamoyle windfarm (15 existing turbines and 4 consented turbines) in the townlands of Tullinloughan, Lackagh, Tullynamoyle and Gowlaun, County Leitrim. An underground grid connection to Corderry Substation will be located in the townlands of Tullinwannia, Tullynasharragh, Gubaderry, Tullinwillin, Gortahork, Mullaghmore, Leamaskally, Cornmarve, Drumlumman Glebe, Drumillion, Drumany Glebe, Belhavel, Corrasra and Corderry, Killarga, County Leitrim.The proposed development will constitute the provision of the following: 1. The construction of four (4) wind turbines with maximum hub heights of 92 metres and maximum overall heights of 155 metres to blade tip. 2. The construction of crane hardstand areas located beside each turbine. 3. The construction of one (1) 20kv substation building, 2 No. container units and associated electrical plant for grid stabilisation. 4. Internal windfarm underground cabling including one stream-crossing by overhead line. 5. The construction of new site access tracks and the provision of upgraded access roads. 6. Installation of a drainage system for the proposed hardstand and road areas. 7. Underground grid connection to Corderry 110kv substation, approximately 9.5km in length, along the existing public road network. 8. All associated site development and ancillary works. The planning application will be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and by a Natura Impact Statement.
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to significant concerns regarding peat stability and landslide risk, potential adverse impacts on the Boleybrack Mountain SAC and protected species, and an incomplete cumulative environmental impact assessment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence to rule out the risk of peat landslides, particularly in light of the nearby Shass Mountain failure and the specific ground conditions at the site.
- The Planning Authority was not satisfied that the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Boleybrack Mountain SAC or protected bird species, specifically the Hen Harrier, due to inadequate assessment of hydrological connectivity and habitat loss.
- The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) was deemed incomplete as it failed to adequately assess the cumulative impacts of the proposed turbines in combination with existing and consented infrastructure on the receiving environment.