Windfarm set to bypass council’s planners  

Credit:  GORDON DEEGAN, The Irish Times, www.irishtimes.com 1 September 2010 ~~

More details have emerged about a west-Clare based company’s plan to build the Midwest’s largest ever windfarm project at Shragh and Mountrivers in Doonbeg.

Each turbine will be 122m (400ft) high and the overall investment cost is about €100 million.

The proposal by Clare Coastal Wind Power Ltd for the west-Clare area is also set to be Clare’s first “strategic infrastructure” development case, thereby by-passing Clare County Council’s planning department.

Instead, the company is hoping that the planning application will be decided on by An Bord Pleanála, reducing the time spent in the planning process.

A spokeswoman for An Bord Pleanála yesterday confirmed that the appeals board is to hold a meeting this week with the company as discuss whether the application will be accepted as a strategic infrastructure application.

She said the process could involve three to four meetings being held with the applicants. A decision would be made before the end of this year, she said.

One of the company’s directors, businessman Michael Clohessy, yesterday declined to comment on the plan pending the community groups being briefed on the project this week.

Others directors include businessman Rico Pueschmann, of Brattenburg, Germany, carpenter Cathal Haugh, of Doonbeg and chartered accountant Donal O’Sullivan of Moore St, Kilrush.

Mr Clohessy is the largest shareholder with 3,600 shares with Mr Pusechmann and Mr Haugh having 2,700 shares and Mr O’Sullivan having 1,000 shares.

The Clare Coastal Wind Power Ltd plan is more than 50 per cent bigger than the previous largest plan lodged for the 31 turbine plan at Mount Callan that was granted planning permission by the council two weeks ago.

Plans have also been lodged by McMahon Finn Wind Acquisitions Ltd for 12 turbines at Coor West, Miltown Malbay and Shanavogh West Mullagh.