November 3, 2015
Northern Ireland

Garvagh wind farm gets approval for environment minister

News Letter | Belfast Newsletter | 03 November 2015 | www.newsletter.co.uk

An £18m wind farm, rejected by councillors, has been approved by the environment minister after the decision was reviewed by his department.

The plan for six wind turbines at Cam Burn, was voted down at a council meeting in September.

But now Minister, Mark H Durkan has told the council he has decided to approve it.

And the timing means it got planning permission just before an important deadline that affects such developments.

It had to have approval by 30 October 2015 to qualify for subsidies before Northern Ireland’s renewable scheme was closed to on-shore wind.

Those opposed to the proposal had raised concerns about its visual impact on the landscape, proximity to homes and potential environmental implications.

There had been 524 letters of objection. Supporters had pointed to the construction benefits, that it would reduce carbon emissions by more than 320,000 tonnes over 25 years, and generate power for 6,482 homes.

There had been 896 letters of support. Mr Durkan told the assembly he had called in the decision “due to the particular difficulties” arising from the closure of the on-shore wind farm scheme. NI currently produces 19.76 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources, mostly on-shore wind.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/11/03/garvagh-wind-farm-gets-approval-for-environment-minister/