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(I) UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL CABLING (33KV), (II) UPGRADE OF ACCESS JUNCTIONS; (III) ACCESS ROADS (NEW AND UPGRADE OF EXISTING); (IV) TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD; (V) BORROW PIT; (VI) SITE DRAINAGE; (VII) FORESTRY FELLING; AND (VIII) ALL ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT ANCILLARY WORKS AND APPARATUS. THE DEVELOPMENT SUBJECT TO THIS APPLICATION FORMS PART OF GRID CONNECTION AND ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL FACILITATE THE PERMITTED KNOCKNAMORK RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, CORK COUNTY COUNCIL REF. NO. 19/4972. CONCURRENT PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE OVERALL GRID CONNECTION AND ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE LODGED TO CORK COUNTY COUNCIL AND AN BORD PLEANÁLA. AN OPERATIONAL PERIOD AND EXTENDED PLANNING PERMISSION DURATION TO ALIGN WITH THE PERMITTED KNOCKNAMORK RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMNET, CORK COUNTY COUNCIL REF. NO. 19/4972 IS SOUGHT. AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT (EIAR) AND NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT (NIS) HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN RESPECT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOMPANIES THIS APPLICATION.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed development poses a significant risk to water quality within the sensitive Lough Leane Catchment and fails to demonstrate that it would not adversely affect the integrity of the Killarney National Park, MacGillycuddy Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the development would not have adverse impacts on water quality downstream, potentially affecting the conservation objectives of the Killarney National Park, MacGillycuddy Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC.
  • The applicant failed to provide a meaningful assessment or consideration of alternative access and grid connection routes located outside of the highly sensitive Clydagh Valley and Lough Leane Catchment.
  • The proposal is considered contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area as it conflicts with specific County Development Plan objectives regarding the protection of the environment, biodiversity, and natural heritage.

Cited Policies (CDP)

KCDP 11-1KCDP 11-2S1.7 of the Kerry CDP 2022-2028

Decision Document Summary

Knocknamork Limited sought permission for a 33kV underground grid connection and associated infrastructure, including access roads and a borrow pit, across several townlands in the Clydagh Valley, Co. Kerry, to serve a permitted wind farm. The site is located within the sensitive Lough Leane Catchment, upstream of the Killarney National Park and associated SACs. The application was refused primarily because the Planning Authority could not conclude beyond reasonable scientific doubt that the wor...
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