2560520
for the development of Illaunbaun Wind Farm in the townlands of Tooreen, Slievenalicka, Illaunbaun, Drumbaun & Lackamore (although no infrastructure will be sited within Lackamore townland), County Clare. The development will consist of: • Construction of 5 wind turbines with a maximum overall blade tip height of 150 m. • Construction of associated turbine foundations, crane pad hardstand and assembly areas. • Construction of one permanent 38 kV electrical on-site substation with one control building with welfare facilities, all associated electrical switchgear, security fencing, underground cabling, drainage infrastructure, and all ancillary works. • All associated internal underground electrical and communications cabling connecting the wind turbines to the on-site Substation. • Upgrade of existing tracks, roads and provision of new site access roads to facilitate construction & operation of the wind farm. • Two borrow pits. • Three peat repository areas for peat & spoil management. • Construction of one temporary construction compound. • Development of internal site drainage. • Permanent & Temporary tree felling to accommodate the construction & operation. • Signages and • All associated site development works. This application is seeking 10-year planning permission, along with a 35-year operational life for the wind farm from the date of its commissioning. The development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive 2023/2413) Yes x No The planning application is subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended. When a notice is issued in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) & Screening for Appropriate Assessment have been prepared in respect of the planning application and will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.
Core Refusal Reason
The primary reason for refusal centers on the significant cumulative visual impact of the development on the landscape and the adverse effects on the residential and educational amenity of the area, particularly concerning the proximity to Rockmount National School.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development would result in an excessive cumulative visual impact on the landscape, given the high density of existing wind turbines already present in the Slievecallan upland area.
- The proximity of the 180m turbines to Rockmount National School and neighboring dwellings would adversely affect the amenity of these sensitive receptors through visual dominance and potential noise impacts.
- The proposal is considered contrary to the Clare County Development Plan objectives regarding the protection of landscape character and the promotion of sustainable renewable energy only in appropriate, non-sensitive locations.