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Wind Power News: Ireland
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Locals celebrate as planning refused for Cork’s biggest ever wind farm at Gougane Barra
‘We feel that Justice has been done, common sense prevails, and democracy restored in this situation.’ Locals are celebrating as plans for the largest wind farm ever proposed for Cork is to be refused permission. An Bord Pleanála has indicated it is refusing permission for a controversial wind farm proposal at Gougane Barra, on grounds that it would “seriously injure” the scenery. An Bord Pleanála originally permitted the €30m project in February 2022. The Wingleaf Ltd development was to include . . . Complete story »
Councillors lodge opposition to wind farm development near Belclare with An Bord Pleanála
Tuam area councillors have officially voiced their opposition to a significant wind farm development near Belclare. An Bord Pleanála is currently assessing an application for 8 turbines at Laurclavagh and adjacent townlands. The council are obliged to make a submission, and councillors had the option to attach recommendations to the official submission. At the suggestion of Cathaoirleach Donagh Killilea, they agreed to make a joint submission, which will now be sent to An Bord Pleanála. Councillor Killilea told our reporter . . . Complete story »
Buddhist retreat centre objects to Clare wind farm
Plans to construct an 11-turbine 72MW wind farm in the ’12 O’Clock hills’ in south east Clare pose a significant threat to ‘a peaceful haven’ at a silent Buddhist retreat centre, objectors claim. Earlier this year, Ørsted Onshore Ireland Midco Ltd lodges plans direct to An Bord Pleanála for the 11 turbine 590 feet tip high Oatfield wind-farm on a site 9km north of Limerick city and 4.7km from Sixmilebridge Now, in response, the 12 O’Clock Hills Community Group that . . . Complete story »
Energy giant pays off fisherman blocking Wicklow wind farm
A fisherman from Co Wicklow has settled with an offshore wind developer in a landmark case expected to send waves through a renewable energy industry grappling with mounting legal challenges. Last May, Ivan Toole, whose fishing company operates out of Greystones, brought a judicial review on environmental grounds against the minister of state with responsibility for planning and local government over the granting of a foreshore licence to RWE, a German energy group and notice party in the case. The . . . Complete story »
Council secures court order prohibiting further development at wind farm where bog slide occurred
Donegal County Council has secured a High Court order prohibiting further development of a wind farm at a site that was the subject of a large bog slide that had “significant environmental consequences”. Mr Justice David Holland’s order restrains Planree Limited and Mid-Cork Electrical from finishing their “largely complete” 19-turbine project on primarily blanket bog in Cashelnavean, Co Donegal, until further court order. The development entities can apply to vary or discharge the order, which came in enforcement proceedings issued . . . Complete story »
Councillors raise concerns over proposed Coolcappa wind-farm
Concerns were raised with Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) this week regarding the health effects for local communities from wind turbines as a protest took place outside over a proposed wind-farm in Coolcappa. Over 20 residents from the West Limerick village protested at the Dooradoyle chamber before Monday’s meeting with placards reading ‘Protect Our Future Generation’, ‘560 Metres is Too Close For Kids To Grow Up Beside’, and ‘Wind Turbines Putting Wealth Before Health’. The protesters said they are . . . Complete story »
Landmark wind turbine noise ruling from High Court referred to attorney general
The attorney general is studying a landmark High Court ruling on noise from wind turbines that could have implications for the operation of existing and future wind farms. Officials from two Government departments, Housing and Environment, have joined the chief law officer in examining the judgement. Wind Energy Ireland, which represents most wind farm owners in the country, also has experts scrutinising it. The ruling found that turbine noise – even if within planning regulation limits – could be categorised . . . Complete story »
Wind farm noise constituted nuisance to nearby residents, High Court rules
A High Court judge has found that wind farm noise levels at certain times of the day constitute a nuisance to nearby residents. [download the judgement] In a decision that is understood to have implications for the operation of wind turbines, Ms Justice Emily Egan held that noise levels from the two-turbine Ballyduff Windfarm at Kilcomb, near Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, amounted to an “unreasonable interference” with the enjoyment of two couples’ properties. The cases are the first private nuisance claims . . . Complete story »
Government opposes Derrybrien wind farm bill at second stage in Seanad
Legislation aimed at rescuing the troubled Derrybrien wind farm in Co Galway from being dismantled was rejected by Senators in the Seanad this week. The special measures in the public interest (Derrybrien wind farm) bill 2023, introduced last year, aimed to prevent the decommissioning of the multimillion-euro wind farm. The proposed legislation reached its second stage in the Seanad this week. The development, located in southern Galway with its 70 turbines, was once the country’s largest wind farm and has . . . Complete story »
Clarity needed on recycling wind turbine blades as Minister accepts they are “a challenge”
Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan has called for greater levels of clarity on how the State intends to effectively recycle wind turbine blades. Deputy Nolan was speaking after Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan accepted in a parliamentary reply to her that wind turbine blades “do represent a challenge, as current designs cannot be melted or re-moulded.” The Independent TD had asked Minister Ryan if his Department had issued any guidance on the disposal of . . . Complete story »
