Board refuses planning for Tulla windfarm

A PROPOSED windfarm development for Tulla has been refused this week by An Bord Pleanála, following an appeal taken by local objectors and the Irish Peatland Conservation Council.
The refusal of the proposed eight-turbine windfarm development may now rule out the possibility of the location being used for this type of development in the future, as it is understood the County Development Plan and Wind Energy Strategy in particular will prohibit windfarm development in this area.
An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse the development comes at a time when a third large-scale windfarm development proposed for Coore has been appealed to the board.
The proposed windfarm development at Tulla was sought by Cork-based company SWS Energy Limited of Shinagh House, Bandon. Planning permission was sought to develop eight wind turbines, four meteorological masts, an electrical substation with control building and the construction of internal site tracks at locations at Loughaun North, Commons, Uggoon Upper and Derryulk Upper in Tulla.
An appeal was lodged by two objectors, Joseph Wheatley, care of Brendan McGrath Associates, Riverstown Cottage, Corofin and the Irish Peatland Conservation Council of Lullymore, Rathangan, County Kildare.
In the decision document issued by An Bord Pleanála, the board notes the site of the proposed development is in an exposed upland area of blanket bog, adjoining an intact active bog, Glendree Bog candidate Special Area of Conservation, and outside any of the areas identified as strategic areas or acceptable in principle in the Wind Energy Strategy of the Clare County Development Plan 2005-2011 as amended.
Under the reasons and considerations for the decision, the board stated, “On the basis of the submissions made in connection with the planning application and the appeal, the board is not satisfied that the proposed development would not prejudice the stability of the peatland on the site of the proposed windfarm or adversely affect the hydrology of the bog in the adjacent Glendree Bog candidate Special Area of Conservation”.
“It is not considered that the site of the instant proposal is an appropriate location for the development as proposed, which would, therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the decision document concludes.