AN BORD Pleanala (ABP) has expressed concern over the visual impact of a proposed 16 turbine windfarm near Glenveagh National Park.
Back in January, Donegal County Council granted permission, with conditions, to GDNG Renewables Ltd been for the windfarm in the townlands of Killymasny and Drumenan, Newmills.
The proposed development will include turbines with a maximum tip height of 152 metres as well as a 100 metre high ‘met mast’, roads, a bridge, culverts and the felling of a coniferous forestry.
However, that decision was appealed to ABP.
The board recently refused permission for twenty five, 100 metre high wind turbines at Straboy, near Glenties.
In a letter sent by ABP to the developers, a copy of which was seen by the Donegal News, board inspectors expressed concern over the proposed wind farm, noting that Glenveagh is a “national and local asset.”
They also stated that the park is given protection under the current Donegal County Development Plan 2012-2018.
“Having regard to the foregoing, the board have (sic) concerns in relation to the visual impact of the proposed wind farm development on the amenities of the Glenveagh National Park, particularly having regard to the tip height of the proposed turbines,” the letter read.
“The board considers that the potential visual impacts on the National Park have not been adequately addressed in the documentation, including photomontages, submitted by the applicant to date.”
The board also told the developers they must submit further information by August 16, including an additional ‘visual impact analysis’.
This should examine the visual impact of the proposed development over a range of reduced turbine hub and hip heights.
Two lengthy objections were received by Donegal County Council from Mr Jim Doherty and Ms Patricia Sharkey.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)