2560418
for development at this site.The proposed development, subject of this application, will consist of: i. The construction of 6 no. wind turbines with an overall turbine tip height of 175 metres; a rotor blade diameter of 150 metres; and hub height of 100 metres, and associated foundations and hard standing areas; ii. A permanent 38kV substation compound (control building with welfare facilities, all associated electrical plant and apparatus, security fencing including vegetative screening, underground cabling, wastewater holding tank, site drainage and all ancillary works); iii. Permanent underground electrical (38kV) and communications cabling to the existing Ballyragget 110kV substation in the townland of Moatpark (including joint bays, communication and earth sheath link chambers and all ancillary works along the route); iv. Underground electrical and communications cabling connecting the wind turbines and meteorological mast to the on-site substation; v. A meteorological mast with a height of 100m above ground and associated foundation and hard-standing area; vi. Upgrade of existing tracks and roads and the provision of new site access roads; vii. All works associated with the upgrade of the existing agricultural access off the L58333 local road (including the installation of fencing and steel gates); viii. 2 no. temporary construction compounds (including temporary site offices and welfare facilities); ix. Accommodation works along the N77 National secondary road in the townland of Ballynaslee, Co. Kilkenny to facilitate the delivery of turbine components and other abnormal sized loads; x. A borrow pit; xi. Spoil Management; xii. Hedgerow removal; xiii. Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plan measures (including establishment of new hedgerow, translocation of existing hedgerow and enhancement of existing hedgerow); xiv. Site Drainage; xv. Operational stage site signage; and, xvi. All associated site development works, ancillary works and apparatus. A 10-year planning permission and 35-year operational life from the date of commissioning of the entire wind farm is being sought. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) accompany this planning application.
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to significant unmitigatable impacts on residential amenity, a suboptimal grid connection strategy that threatens public road infrastructure, and insufficient evidence regarding the protection of a sensitive karst aquifer.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 175m turbines and substation would cause excessive and unmitigatable adverse effects on the residential amenity of nearby dwellings through visual intrusion, noise, and shadow flicker.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the grid connection route along the N77 is the 'optimal solution' as required by CAP24, posing risks to road capacity and maintenance functions.
- The proposal lacks conclusive evidence that the development would not negatively impact groundwater resources within a verified karst aquifer containing known swallow holes and potential conduits.