Planning sought for Mullagh windfarm

A PLANNING application for a wind farm to be built across the townlands of Coor West, Mullagh, Shanovough East, Miltown and Shanovough West is at pre-validation stage with Clare County Council.

The application has been made by McMahon Finn Wind Acquisitions Ltd.
The wind farm would consist of 12 wind turbines and they would be at elevations of between 88m and 164m, on an area three kilometres in length and up to 2km in width.
The hub height of the turbines would be 85m with a rotor diameter of 71m, and an overall height of 120m, along with an electrical compound and substation building, associated site roads and site works. The proposed output capacity would be 27.60MW.
The planning application indicates that an alternative site at Breaghva, Lissycasey was also considered. However, the Shanovough/Coor site was chosen as it had a couple of advantages.
“According to the Wind Atlas, prepared by Sustainable Energy Ireland and ESBI, the mean wind speed at the site is 8.5m/s at an elevation of 75m above ground level. This is an above average wind speed, which is considered suitable for wind energy development,” the application states. Another advantage was that the site in question is not located in a vulnerable landscape nor is it near any scenic routes designated in the County Development Plan.
It is claimed that the development would be a positive for the local populace.
“The potential effect of this project on human beings was assessed. It is unlikely to have any negative affect with regard to employment, settlement patterns, population health and safety, land use and tourism.
“Indeed, some positive impacts can be predicted in terms of employment and settlement patterns due to a more stable energy network in the region. A stable energy network is a key consideration for the location of industry and business.
“In addition there is predicted to be a positive effect on other areas related to human beings such as climate and agriculture as a result of the reduced emissions of greenhouse gases because of this project. As such no mitigation measures are considered necessary.”
It also claimed that there wouldn’t be any serious negative impact on the environment of the area. “The site at Coor/Shanovough supports an area comprised of a mixture of forestry with agricultural grassland. There are no breeding annex listed or species of conservation concern on, or in, the immediate vicinity of the site. Hen harriers and Merlin occasionally forage over the site in winter. No impacts are anticipated on either species from the operation of the proposed windfarm. The proposed development will have no significant impact on any aspects of the natural environment.”
It states that mitigation measures would be carried out to prevent any negative geological outcomes. The development would see the replacement of a small area of natural materials with concrete and road construction sands and gravels. The application states that monitoring of ground conditions could take place at an agreed frequency during the operation phase.
It claims that there are no dwellings within 400 metres of any of the turbines and the effect of noise from the windfarms on local residences shouldn’t have a significant impact.
In conclusion, it is stated that the project shouldn’t cause any serious disruption or problems.
“This project will supply electricity to the west region in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In general, the development will have no major negative on the human, built or natural environment.
“No significant negative impacts on the environment are predicted. A positive impact is predicted for air quality and climate as well as employment. It is therefore considered that there are no environmental issues that should stop this project from proceeding.”