February 17, 2021
Ireland

Appeal over Granard turbine plan rejected

RTÉ | Tuesday, 16 Feb 2021 | www.rte.ie

An Bord Pleanála has upheld the decision of Longford County Council to refuse planning permission for the proposed development of a 169m single wind turbine within Kiernan Milling Mill Building at Granardkill in Granard.

Kiernan Milling, care of Galetech Energy Services of Clondargan, Stradone, Co Cavan, had appealed the 14 July 2020 decision.

An Bord Pleanala upheld the local authority’s decision and deemed that the proposed turbine development would seriously injure and interfere with the setting of Granard Motte and Bailey and would also be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Kiernan Milling had sought a 10-year permission for the proposed erection of a single wind turbine with a maximum height of up to 169m together with all associated site development works.

A spokesperson for Granardkill Local Residents Group, who had opposed the turbine said the decision “justifies Longford County Council’s decision to refuse this proposal initially.”

The spokesperson said: “Granardkill is a very special and unique place which has a cherished history and we will continue to protect it from unwanted industrial construction going forward.”

The Granard area is part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the motte development of a 15 acre Norman Living History Village is set to become their flagship project, which will complement the existing Center Parcs Longford Forest.

Granard Knights & Conquests centre recently received substantial investment from Fáilte Ireland and Longford County Council.

Fáilte Ireland also submitted a very detailed objection against the turbine plan to Longford County Council, highlighting that it would significantly undermine the success of their tourism vision for the area.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2021/02/17/appeal-over-granard-turbine-plan-rejected/