Residents may appeal windfarm go-ahead

Residents in East Clare are considering appealing Clare County Council’s decision to give the green light for a controversial windfarm development on the outskirts of Tulla.
The proposed development, which secured planning permission on October 22 last, was met with opposition from 28 members of the Tulla community at the initial stages and a further 18 submissions all deemed as “strong objections” were received at further information stage.
Clare County Council granted permission to SWS Energy Ltd for the proposed wind energy development, which consists of the erection of eight wind turbines with a hub height of 80 metres and a diameter of 90 metres. In addition, planning was granted for four meteorological masts (two temporary and two permanent), an electrical substation with a control building, the use of seven borrowpits, construction of internal site tracks and associated works. The development site takes in Loughaun North, Commons, Uggoon Upper, Derryulk Upper, Tulla.
Speaking to The Clare Champion, Bob Wilson of CELT in Scariff, who objected to the development, said he understood that the general consensus in the locality was that the community would pursue an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. “We see it as an important wilderness area that has to be protected,” he said.
The planning authority explained that their reason for granting permission had regard to the national policy to the development of sustainable energy resources and that the lands were zoned “suitable for wind energy” in the county development plan 2005. Regard was also paid to the pattern of development and prevailing land uses in the area and also the separation distances of the proposed turbines from habitable houses and the limited scale of the development.
They also deemed that the proposal would “not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity” nor would it “seriously injure the visual amenities or landscape character of the area, [and] would not create an unacceptable risk of environmental pollution or have an adverse impact on the ecology of the area”.
However, these points have been disputed by the objectors in the locality, who have raised concerns with the council in relation to the negative visual impact of the windfarm and on the local migrating bird populations. Concerns were also raised that it may damage the Special Protection Area designated on site and that the development was not in accordance with the zoning of the area as vulnerable landscape.
Other issues were raised throughout the planning process regarding the stability of the land and the potential negative impacts it may have on local watercourses. Also of concern was the releasing of CO2 emissions through the drying or excavating of the existing bog.
Seventeen planning conditions were attached to the planning permission, which included that the windfarm be removed after 25 years unless further planning is granted.
The developer was also ordered to consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to the protection and conservation of existing habitats, ecology and bird species “at this sensitive location”.
A contribution of €52,872 was also required by the council in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting the development and that a cash deposit of €20,000 be lodged with the council to secure the reinstatement of public roads which may be damaged by the transport of materials to the site.