Wind farm firm challenges refusal of its plan for new facility in Limerick

IT WILL be An Coimisiún Pleanála which decides on whether a wind farm planned near Coolcappa village can go ahead.

It comes after the firm behind the proposals, Ballynisky Green Energy appealed against Limerick City and County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the project.

The firm is seeking permission to construct six wind turbines with an overall height of 158 metres close to the village.

The rotors are projected to measure 136 metres wide, while work to facilitate the wind farm would see around 3.4km of new site access tracks constructed.

The Adare-based energy firm is seeking permission to develop the structures over 10 years, then have them operational for 35 years.

But the application drew more than 400 objections, with concerns around the appearance of the turbines in the local skyline, health, noise and the impact it could have on local biodiversity.

Local planners refused permission last month.

However, Ballynisky has put in an appeal to the national planning authority, which has set a date of August 25 next to make a decision.

Agents for the company have stated the council’s grounds for refusal are “unfounded” and “can be rebutted in full”.

They say the applicant was not afforded a chance during the planning process to address noise queries.

It is “not considered”, they believe, the project would have an impact on noise.

The agents rejected a suggestion from the council the application lacked information around the impact on local roads.

“The development was designed in compliance with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) design and safety requirements and the application document contains detailed and proportionate assessments addressing sightlines, stopping distances, haulage routes and transport loads,” the firm’s agents wrote.

“The matters identified in the refusal were capable of resolution through clarification or appropriate conditions and did not justify refusal in these circumstances,” they added.

A spokesperson for Ballynisky confirmed the appeal.

The Coolcappa Community Action group said it had anticipated the appeal.

“The group is continuing to work with independent experts and will shortly provide guidance for community members who wish to make a further submission,” they added.

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