Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends a grant of permission because the continued operation of the existing 11-turbine wind farm and substation aligns with national climate objectives and local policy exemptions that allow for the life-extension of established renewable energy infrastructure without requiring new construction or creating additional visual or environmental impacts.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development supports the National Climate Action Plan targets for 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030 and is compatible with the Southern Region Spatial and Economic Strategy.
- No physical construction works are proposed, which avoids new environmental risks to biodiversity, soil, or hydrology, with any operational risks adequately managed by existing mitigation measures and a more sensitive Decommissioning Plan.
- The principle of development is acceptable under the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028, as the policy specifically allows the planning authority to consider extensions to existing wind farms in areas otherwise designated as 'not normally permissible' for new projects.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective CA01Objective CA16Objective PT02Objective PT03Objective L06Objective L07Volume 10 Energy Strategy (Chapter 5)Table 8 (Wind Energy Development Areas)
Decision Document Summary
Castledockrell Wind Farm Limited seeks a 20-year extension for the operation of 11 existing turbines (originally permitted in 2005) and permanent permission for a 110kV substation at a site in western Co. Wexford. The wind farm has been operational since 2011. While the current Wexford County Development Plan (2022-2028) identifies the 'North' area as having reached capacity for new wind farms, the Inspector argues that life-extensions of existing facilities are essential to meeting national dec...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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