21/7246
The development will consist of: . Construction of 6 no. wind turbines with a blade tip height of 175m, rotor diameter of 150m and a hub height of 100m; . Construction of turbine foundations and crane pad hardstanding areas; . Construction of new site tracks and associated drainage infrastructure; . Upgrading of existing tracks and associated drainage infrastructure where necessary; . Upgrade of entrance onto local road L1322; . All associated drainage and sediment control including the installation of new watercourse or drain crossing and the re-use or upgrading of existing internal watercourse and drain crossings; . Construction of 1 no. permanent onsite 38kV electrical substation to ESBN specifications including: - Control building with welfare facilities; - Electrical infrastructure; - Parking; - Wastewater holding tank; - Rainwater harvesting; - Security fencing; - All associated infrastructure, services and site works. . 1 no temporary construction site compound and associated ancillary infrastructure including parking; . Tree felling to facilitate construction and operation of the proposed development; . Installation of medium voltage (20/33kV) and communication underground cabling between the proposed turbines and the proposed on-site substation and associated ancillary works; . Erection of 1 no. permanent meteorological mast with a height of 100m above ground level and associated access track; . Installation of medium voltage (38kV) underground cabling and associated ancillary works between the proposed on-site substation and the existing Charleville Substation within the townland of Rathnacally. The proposed grid connection will be installed primarily within the public road and will include 2 no. watercourse crossings and the installation of 8 no. pre-cast joint bays; . All associated site development works; . A 10 planning permission and 35 year operational life from the date of commissioning of the entire wind farm. This application for planning permission is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement.
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to significant negative impacts on local biodiversity, insufficient scientific evidence to rule out adverse effects on European protected sites (SPA and SAC), and traffic safety concerns regarding the site entrance and local road network.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development would result in the loss of high-value habitat and cause permanent significant negative effects on local biodiversity, materially contravening development objectives BE 15-2 and ET 13-7.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient information to determine beyond reasonable scientific doubt that the project would not adversely affect the integrity of the Kilcolman Bog SPA and the Blackwater River SAC.
- The poor condition of the L-1307-30 public road and the failure to demonstrate adequate vehicular sightlines at the site entrance would create a traffic hazard and endanger public safety.