May 31, 2016
Ireland

Windfarm sought again for Spink X

By Lynda Kiernan | Leinster Express | 30 May 2016 | www.leinsterexpress.ie

A company that withdrew an application for a windfarm near Spink in 2013, has reapplied for shorter turbines, but for more of them.

Galetech Energy, an agent for Pinewoods Wind Limited, is now applying to Laois County Council for permission to erect 11 wind turbines, 136.5 metres tall on land south of Ballinakill, bordering with Kilkenny.

In December 2013 the Cavan company unexpectedly withdrew an application to the council for a windfarm on the same site.

That application was for eight wind turbines 152 metres tall, in the same townlands of Knockardugar, Boleybawn, Garrintaggart, Ironmills and Graiguenahown.

A week beforehand, Gaeltech was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála for ten 170 metre turbines in Offaly, as it would “seriously injure the visual amenities of the area”.

Gaeltech had got a warning from Laois’ planning enforcement section earlier in 2013, when it left an 80 metre wind measurement mast up at the Pinewoods site, months past a 15 month deadline, later getting retention permission.

Now it is seeking permission for a permanent mast there, 85 metres tall, as well as the 11 turbines and foundations, crane hardstandings, a 110kV substation, 7 site entrances, 5.4 kilometres of site access tracks, underground electricity and communications cabling, two single circuit towers of 26.5 metres and other works.

The application will include an Environmental Impact Statement and a Natural Impact Statement.

Public submissions can be made to Laois County Council for five weeks after the application is lodged.

Laois’ only windfarm is in nearby Gortahile, with eight turbines 125 metres tall.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/05/31/windfarm-sought-again-for-spink-x/