Tag Archives: Peter Sweetman

DISAPPOINTMENT has been expressed in Springfield, Clonlara, after a further delay with relief works designed to save residents from a repeat of devastating flooding that has forced them out of their homes multiple times over the last 15 years. Planning for flood protection works began in early 2016, after more than 10 families had to evacuate their properties and a further five had their access roads completely cut off. Since then, the proposed €1.2 million works have hit a number of hurdles, and it has now been confirmed that rather than going through an internal local authority adjudication process, the plans will now go to An Bord Pleanála. Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan told authority members this month that the nature of the works could not be contained, as had been anticipated, within a Part Eight application. “They require an EIAR (Environmental Impact Assessment Report) and an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement),” he explained, adding that the application …

Environmentalist Peter Sweetman has launched a High Court challenge against a decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for an extension to an existing windfarm in County Clare. The challenge is against the board’s decision to grant ESB International permission to build an additional seven turbines at a windfarm development located Boolynagleragh, which Mr Sweetman says is “unreasoned and unreasonable,” and “contrary to law”. Represented in the action against the board by Oisin Collins Bl and O’Connell & Clarke Solicitors, Mr Sweetman seeks an order quashing the planning authority’s decision of June 13 last to grant planning permission in respect of a windfarm development at Boolynagleragh. Mr Sweetman also seeks a declaration from the court that he is entitled to pursue the action at a cost that is not prohibitive. Both Clare County Council, which in 2014 turned down the extension application and ESB International are notice parties to the proceedings. Mr Collins told the court it is …