21595
Permission for development consisting of the construction of 2 no. wind turbines (turbine tip height of 150m, rotor diameter of 138m) with associated foundations and crane hardstand areas and all associated development including 1 no. substation control building, 1 no. permanent meteorological mast (80m height) and associated foundation, hardstand area and ancillary main crane hardstand area, 1,304m of new internal site service roads, underground electric cabling systems between turbines within the wind farm site, 3.75km of overground electric cabling system and 1.53km of underground electric cabling system between the wind farm site and connection point at existing 38 kV ESBN substation in Boyle, 1 no. new site access/entrance off the L-1248 local road at the western boundary to facilitate construction and access, 1 no. temporary construction site compound (750m2), 4 no. peat / spoil deposition areas for storage of excess excavated peat materials, associated surface water management system, tree felling to facilitate site development, temporary works on sections of the public road network along the turbine delivery route (including hedge or tree cutting, relocation of powerlines / poles, lampposts, signage and local road widening) and all associated site works (an NIS and an EIAR have been submitted in respect of the application) at
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is at variance with national policy regarding the protection of national roads (N61) and lacks sufficient environmental data to rule out significant adverse impacts on biodiversity and water quality.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is contrary to the DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012) as it would adversely affect the operation and safety of the N61 national road network.
- The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) failed to adequately demonstrate that the proposal would not have unacceptable direct or indirect effects on biodiversity, particularly regarding protected species and monitoring adequacy.
- Insufficient information was provided to ensure the protection of water quality in the Kingsland River, specifically regarding potential ammonia release from peat storage and the impact of construction works on surface water drains.