February 11, 2017
Ireland

Council to make decision on wind turbine that is 25% higher than one green lighted last year

Donegal Now | Saturday 11th of February 2017 | www.donegalnow.com

Donegal Co. Council is due to make a decision this week on whether to grant planning permission for a single wind turbine north of Ballybofey that is 25% higher than one that was originally given the green light last year.

Back in June 2016, approval was given – subject to a number of conditions – to erect a turbine with a 60 metre high hub and rotor blades with a diameter of 48 metres.

However, Connnective Energy Holdings Limited, has since lodged a planning application seeking to increase the hub height by 15 metres to 75 metres and the rotor blade diameter to over 52 metres.

The local authority has received one submission in relation to the proposals, which relate to a site at Meenagrauv, west of Drumkeen.

Local resident William Houston, in his submission, states that the amended proposals will have “a negative impact” on his life as it is close to his home. He also states that the wind turbine will impact on his livelihood as the “noise affects my livestock.”

The proposed site is in an area where there are already a number of other wind turbines nearby.

“One of the turbines blew up last year and there are pieces scattered throughout the area,” he said.

He added: “The turbines are already causing me much annoyance as the noise is disturbing my peaceful existence in my home.”

He pointed out that he would have objected to the original application but did not know about it was he was sick at the time.

Council planners are examining the application and a decision is expected in the coming days.

The site is also close to Ireland’s biggest wind farm, Meentycat.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/02/11/council-to-make-decision-on-wind-turbine-that-is-25-higher-than-one-green-lighted-last-year/