by Louise Doyle
A CONSERVATION group which campaigned against a proposed industrial wind plant on the Gweebarra River have told of their delight that planning permission has been refused in the case.
Proposed plans had included a wind farm of up to 19 turbines standing up to 200m high.
But plans have been rejected by Ireland’s national independent planning body, An Bord Pleanála.
A spokesperson confirmed to this newspaper that planning permission has been refused on the case. Details of the decision are to issue in due course.
Cloghercor Wind Farm Limited proposed19 turbines, ranging from 185m to 200m in height, and all associated works.
Affected townlands were Clogherachullion, Cloghercor, Derryloaghan, Aghayeevoge, Cashelreagh Glebe, Darney, Drumard, and Drumnacros.
Gweebarra Conservation Group have welcomed the move. The group set in motion a strong campaign opposing the proposed development on conservation and health grounds.
Posting online, a spokesperson said people power played its party.
“Scéal áthais! Fantastic News! An Bord Pleanála have refused permission for an industrial wind plant on the Gweebarra River.
“It is fitting that we have received this news on Natura 2000 Day when we celebrate Special Areas of Conservation called Natura 2000 sites throughout Europe. The Gweebarra River is such a place and must be afforded the highest protection.
“Thank you to all the people who attended meetings, put up posters, made submissions to An Bord Pleanála and supported our community effort to protect our environment for this and future generations.
“Well done everyone. Power to the People.”
As well as provision of the 19 turbines, the planning application had included construction of a site entrance and use of an existing forest entrance; modifications to four locations on public roads to facilitate ‘deliver of abnormal loads and turbine delivery’ on the R262 and N56; construction of a temporary hard standing, and of two temporary construction compounds with associated offices, parking and fencing; a permanent 100m meteorological mast; four borrow pits; construction of internal site access and upgrade of site roads; construction of drainage and sediment controls, a permanent electrical substation and associated facilities and works; underground electrical and communications cabling; two stream crossings; forestry felling and replanting.
The planning application also included the development of a permanent public car part with seating /picnic tables; permanent recreation facilities including marked walking trails, and associated amenity signage.
While a ten year planning permission was sought, the application states that a 35-year operational life from time of completion was also being sought.
The application stated: “Given the recent advances in turbine technology, and the anticipated lifespan of wind turbines, this is considered to be the optimal operational life for the proposed development.”
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