2460326
•The construction of one Enercon E138 Wind Energy Converter on an 81m tower with an electrical rating of 4.5MW and an overall tip height of 149.38m. •Installation of the hardstanding area for the Wind Energy Converter. •Installation of underground circuit cables which will run in underground cable trenches (c.1.2m deep), from the proposed Wind Energy Converter to the proposed substation building on the site. •Construction of the proposed substation building which will be located c. 340m from the proposed wind energy converter and surrounded by stock proof fencing. It will be a single storey building, measuring 53m2 and c. 5m in height. •Construction of proposed internal site access track, constructed from permeable material and which will run from the site entrance to the Wind Energy Converter hardstanding area. •All associated ancillary infrastructure and preparatory works such as provision of the site entrance. The power rating associated with the proposed wind turbine is 4.5 megawatts (MW). The proposed Project will have a 30-year lifespan.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal materially contravenes the Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 as the site is located in an area 'Not Deemed Suitable for Wind Energy Developments' and the turbine scale exceeds the thresholds for small-scale or micro-generation exceptions.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The subject site is located within an area designated as 'Not Deemed Suitable for Wind Energy Developments' in the County Wind Energy Strategy, and the proposal does not meet the criteria for exempted or small-scale development.
- The development would materially contravene Objective CAEO-05 and Policy CAEP-38 of the Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027, which restrict wind energy development to identified suitable areas.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate the necessity for the turbine at this location, which is directly adjacent to lands of 'High Landscape Sensitivity' (Lough Boora Parklands), posing a detrimental visual impact.