Planning refused for Laois border wind farm
One of the campaign signs mounted by the action group
PLANNING permission has been refused for a proposed wind farm on the Laois-Kilkenny border.
County councils in both counties have rejected the plans, with the refusals now likely to be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála by the developer.
The councils’ decision follows major opposition on both sides of the border, led by the NotoSeskinWindfarm action group.
The NotoSeskinWindfarm committee said on social media on 3 September: ‘Great news today, both Laois and Kilkenny County Councils refused this application.
‘Common sense has prevailed. The industrialisation of an area, deemed unsuitable for consideration for wind turbines in the County Development Plan, has been blocked unanimously by both county councils.
‘This is on the back of overwhelming local opposition by the communities of Durrow, Lisdowney and Ballyragget.
‘Thanks to all who have supported and who have made submissions thus far. Although this has been refused by both councils, this may be appealed by the developer to An Coimisiún Pleanála but with the strength of local support and opposition, we are ready for what comes next.’
The committee held a number of packed public meetings in opposition to the project and staged big demonstrations on both sides of the border over the August bank holiday weekend.
The planning notice by Seskin Renewable Energy Limited had outlined plans for the construction of eight turbines with a tip height of 175 metres, a rotor blade diameter of 150m and hub height of 100m, along with a substation and a 100m meteorological mast.
The company had said the project would power 36,000 homes. They were seeking a 10-year planning permission and a 35-year operational life from the date of commissioning.
The NotoSeskinWindfarm committee, with community representatives on both sides of the Laois-Kilkenny border, said they were concerned about the environmental and health impacts of the proposed project.
The committee said they were 'blindsided' just months ago by plans to build eight ‘mega turbines’, stretching from Ballyragget to Durrow and were worried about the possible impact on people living in the area.
The action group, made up of people from the communities of Durrow in Co Laois and Ballinaslee in Co Kilkenny, is one of a number of groups across the midlands that have protested against large wind farms in their communities.
Last year, the Government promised that new planning guidelines for wind farms would be introduced by the end of the year but they have not materialised. Guidelines regarding wind farm energy date back to 2006, pending finalisation of an ongoing review.
