January 30, 2014
Ireland

ABP upholds refusal of planning permission for Ballintra windfarm

Highland Radio | 30 Jan 2014 | www.highlandradio.com

An Bord Pleanla has upheld the refusal of planning permission for a wind energy project in Ballintra in South Donegal made up of 7 wind turbines.

The ESB International development, which had previously been refused by Donegal County Council, would have been in the townlands of Ballymagroarty and Ballynacarrick and included turbines with a height of 135 metres.

ESB wind development Limited sought a ten year planning permission for the development consisting seven wind turbines, access tracks, transformer station and all associated site works.

Each wind turbine would have an overall maximum of 135 metres in height with with three blades of up to 50 metres attached.

An number of objections were lodged on grounds which included the proximity of the turbines to homes, the noise they would generate and the general impact the development would have on a quiet scenic area.

The matter was referred to An Bord Pleanala which received submission from a number of groups including Tourism Ireland, Bird Watch Ireland and The Heritage Council.

The board refused permission stating the development would be unduly dominant and intrusive within the landscape when viewed from nearby dwellings and public vantage points and from more distant established public viewing points.

And that the development would be sited on land which is identified as being at substantial risk of instability.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/30/abp-upholds-refusal-of-planning-permission-for-ballintra-windfarm/