Council rejected the build on three grounds
19:07, 24 Nov 2025Updated 09:22, 25 Nov 2025
Stock image of a wind farm in east Galway(Image: Google Maps)
Galway County Council has rejected a plan to build a set of 185-metre tall wind turbines in an east Co Galway townland with over a dozen locals objecting to the build.
The sizeable site at Gannow, Attimonmore North and South near Killimordaly would have hosted up to eight wind turbines whose blade tips would reach up to 185 metres into the sky.
The turbine hubs were planned to be over 100 metres above the ground with a permanent underground electrical (38kV) and communications cabling to the existing Cashla Substation in the townland of Barrettspark.
The amount of objections was 345 along with larger group submission.
Several buildings had also been planned for the site, including site offices and welfare facilities.
Galway County Council rejected the build on three grounds having fielded well over a dozen submissions of objection to the build.
The three grounds included hazards to the public from the unsuitability of the roads for the turned manoeuvres expected along the access routes, that it would create pressures on traffic with obstruction of traffic flow on nearby roads, and that the environmental impact assessment report (EIAR) did not submit sufficient data to support their judgement on the likelihood of environmental effects from the build.
Galway County Council outlined: “1. On the basis of information included with the planning application, the proposed development works entails significant and extensive works as shown within public road network intended to serve the proposed development insofar considerations of public road capacity, width and alignment, the surface or structural condition of the pavement in particular local roads, and future maintenance requirements, and in the absence of complete and sufficient details pertaining to the same including relevant third party agreements and consents, that would render the network, or any part of it, unsuitable to carry the additional road traffic.
“It is further considered, the proposed development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard because of the additional traffic turning movements the development would generate at a point on the road network that is also deemed unsatisfactory, owing to the restricted forward sight distances available at the road frontage, precluding the provision, and maintenance of, a safe and satisfactory means of vehicular access.”
For all the latest breaking news headlines today, visit our website home page.
“2. Whilst further having regard to DM Standard 33a of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028, where the uncertainty of local network carrying capacity regarding traffic diversions to support such extensive road closures, in conjunction with the necessity of scoping and seeking third party consent of proposed grid connection underground works where impacting the public road circa 19.5kmof works as proposed & outside the control of the applicant.
“It is considered that the proposed worksare at variance to Policy Objectives NNR 2 in relation to safeguarding regional and local roads of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028.
“Therefore, in relation to safeguarding the transport function of public roads and associated public road junctions, it is considered that the proposed development works would interfere with the safety and endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard or obstruction of road users or otherwise and therefore would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
“3. Based on the information submitted in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and as identified in the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by the Planning Authority, it is considered that the EIAR submitted has not presented a sufficient level of information and assessment in relation to impacts on Roads and Transportation, and the interaction between the above, for the competent authority to make an EIA determination that there is an acceptably low likelihood of environmental effects of a magnitude which would have a significant effect on sensitive environmental receptors as a result of the proposed development and mitigation proposed as part of the submitted EIAR. Therefore, if permitted as proposed the development would be contrary to the proper planningand sustainable development of the area.”
Galway Beo’s top stories and breaking news service on WhatsApp.
Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.