2360763
(1) The construction of 7 no. wind turbines and associated hardstand areas with the following parameters a) total tip height range of 179.5m – 185m, b) rotor diameter range of 149m – 163m, c) hub height range of 103.5m to 110.5m; (2) 1 no. permanent 38kV electrical substation which will be constructed in the townland of Faddan Beg consisting of a single storey control building with welfare facilities, all associated electrical plant and equipment, battery energy storage system, security fencing, all associated underground cabling, wastewater holding tank and all ancillary works and equipment; (3) All works (within County Tipperary) associated with the connection of the proposed wind farm to the national electricity grid, via the provision of underground electrical cabling (38kV) to the existing Dallow 110kV substation in the townland of Clondallow, Co. Offaly; (4) Provision of 10 no. joint bays, communication chambers and earth sheath links along the underground electrical cabling route; (5) reinstatement of the road or track surface above the proposed cabling trench along existing roads and tracks; (6) all associated underground electrical and communications cabling connecting the turbines to the proposed wind farm substation; (7) 1 no. meteorological mast with a height of 107m above ground and associated foundation and hard-standing area; (8) upgrade of existing tracks and roads and the provision of new site access roads; (9) all works associated with the provision of a new permanent site entrance off the L5040 local road; (10) provision of 5 no. new access and egress points along the L5041 local road in the townlands of Cloncorig, Faddan More and Coolderry; (11) Provision of 4 no. peat repository areas and 3 no. spoil repository areas; (12) 2 no. temporary construction compounds with temporary site offices and staff facilities; (13) Accommodation works along the public road network along the N52 national secondary road in the townland of Ballyloughnane to facilitate the delivery of turbine components and other abnormal sized loads; (14) Site Drainage; (15) Tree Felling; (16) Operational stage site signage; and, (17) all associated site development works, ancillary works and apparatus. - Works within the curtilage of Protected Structures RPS Ref. TRPS336 (Ballyloughnane Bridge) and RPS Ref. TRPS519 (Croghan Bridge)
Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority refused permission because the site is located in an area designated as 'unsuitable' for wind energy in the Tipperary Renewable Energy Strategy and cited concerns regarding impacts on Natura 2000 sites (specifically Annex I bird species) and the road network. However, the Inspector recommended a grant of permission, concluding the project is of strategic national importance for meeting renewable energy targets and that environmental concerns can be mitigated.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is of strategic national importance for achieving Ireland's legally binding 2030 renewable energy targets, which justifies a grant of permission under Section 37(2)(b) of the Planning Act despite the local 'unsuitable' zoning designation.
- Comprehensive ornithological assessments and three years of survey data sufficiently demonstrate that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of nearby Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or sensitive species such as Whooper Swan, Curlew, and Merlin.
- The impacts on the local road network and peatland landscape are acceptable and can be managed through a robust Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) and a Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plan (BMEP).