An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission for the construction of a wind-farm in the ’12 O’Clock hills’ in south east Clare due to aviation safety concerns.
In 2024, plans were lodged directly with the then An Bord Pleanala for the 11 turbine wind-farm on a site 9km north of Limerick city and 4.7km from Sixmilebridge.
Both Shannon Airport and Commercial semi-state agency, AirNav Ireland objected to the initial plans citing ‘serious concerns’ around the potential impact on aviation safety.
The commission has refused, Danish multinational energy company, Ørsted’s plans on these grounds.
An Coimisiún Pleanála ruled it is not satisfied that ‘measurable, evidence based, demonstratable and credible mitigation have been submitted by the applicant that can remove all levels of aviation related risk’.
It was ruled the proposed development posed ‘a significant risk of major accident’ due to the potential degradation of surveillance equipment.
The commission also stated it is not satisfied the applicant ‘has sufficient legal interest, or can acquire such interest’ to install sufficient safety measures in line with the specifications of AirNav Ireland, Shannon Airport and the Irish Aviation Authority.
In relation to potential climate impacts, the commission ruled ‘no significant adverse effects’ would arise from the development, adding the proposal would have had a significant positive effect on the climate.
It added ‘the effects on the environment of the proposed development by itself and cumulatively with other developments in the vicinity would be acceptable other than with regards to the effects arising from the significant risk to aviation safety arising from the proposed development’.
An Coimisiún Pleanála ruled €12,229 would be returned to the applicant under Section 37H(2)(c) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
