September 25, 2014
Ireland

Council refuses planning for windfarm project

By Christy Parker | Irish Examiner | September 25, 2014 | www.irishexaminer.com

Waterford City and County Council has refused planning permission for a windfarm project close to Dungarvan.

The application, by Kilkenny- based Ecopower Developments, sought to erect 12 wind turbines, an 80m meteorological mast plus access roads, electrical substation compound, equipment and control building and ancillary site works in the rural townlands of Knocknaglogh Lower, Barranastook Upper, Knocknamona, Woodhouse, Tinakilly, Monageela and Killatoor, collectively known as the Drumhills.

The turbines, at 126.6m (415ft) would be visible for over 20km in all directions in an area of exquisite scenery for which application is also being made to form part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Eight wind turbines have already been granted planning permission some it

The proposal sparked huge public resentment, with almost 300 submissions lodged against the application. Two action groups, the Drumhills Community Wind Farm Awareness Group and the Dungarvan Against Wind Turbines, organised several public meetings in the area, which drew packed attendances.

John McGovern, spokesman for Drumhills Community Wind Farm Awareness Group, welcomed the decision but warned that “the fight isn’t over yet” in the face of a possible appeal by Ecopower to An Bord Pleanála.

An Ecopower spokesperson said it would examine the decision before deciding the next course of action.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/09/25/council-refuses-planning-for-windfarm-project/