A French Multinational is appealing a decision which rejected its controversial plans for a windfarm in East Clare.
The project involves seven turbines each up to 180m in height that would be erected in the Lackareagh mountains.
EDF Renewable’s plan promises to produce enough energy to power 35,000 homes and includes a community benefit fund worth an estimated value of €240,000 per year.
But the project met intense opposition, with a total of 89 submissions being lodged in the space of just two months.
Among them was a joint objection from the five Killaloe Municipal District Councillors which stated the proposed development would would cause great hardship for the local road network and those commuting to work.
Shannon Airport also weighed in, raising concerns that the sitting of windfarms at this location may impact on the flight paths of aircraft in the region and may have implications on surveillance, communication and navigation systems.
Clare County Council ultimately refused planning permission subject to three conditions.
Including that the proposed height of the turbines would be a highly visible feature on the landscape and would negatively impact the R466 Regional Road which is a designated scenic route and would negatively impact the character of the area.
The planning department also couldn’t determine beyond a reasonable scientific doubt that the development wouldn’t adversely affect the pristine waters required for habitats and species living in the Shannon and Fergus estuaries.
The local authority also claimed the proposed windfarm would diminish local biodiversity and could impact red-listed conservation bird species in the area.
An Bord Pleanála will aim to make a decision on the appeal in 18 weeks.
