November 8, 2016
Ireland

Offaly wind farm granted permission despite inspector’s concerns

8 November 2016 | www.midlands103.com

A wind farm in Offaly has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála.

An inspector with the state planning appeals board had recommended refusing permission for the proposed development in Cloghan.

Gaeltech Energy was initially granted permission by Offaly County Council in October, 2014 to erect nine turbines with a maximum tip height of 150 metres.

Six parties subsequently appealed that decision including a number of local residents and Bord na Móna.

In her report, an inspector with An Bord Pleanála recommended refusal, saying that it would be ‘excessively dominant and visually obtrusive’.

After seeking further information from Gaeltech, the board requested that the inspector prepare an addendum report.

Board members subsequently decided by a majority of five to two to grant permission.

Over 20 conditions are attached to that decision.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/11/08/offaly-wind-farm-granted-permission-despite-inspectors-concerns/