LATEST: Locals condemn plans to build 150-metre high wind turbines in Clare

An application seeking permission to erect fourteen new wind turbines in County Clare is to be lodged directly with An Coimisiún Pleanála, to the dismay of some local councillors.

The 150 metre-high wind turbines are being proposed for the Clare townlands of Glenconaun More, Craghera and Cloonke - between Shannon and Kilrush - by Cloonkett Green Energy.

Clare Councillor Rachel Hartigan told Clare Live that “nameless and faceless corporations” are “railroading these small communities” with wind turbines. 

Ms Hartigan expressed “serious concerns” about the environmental impact of the proposed infrastructure, particularly regarding the disposal of the turbines when they are decommissioned.

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The development - if given planning permission - will be located in close proximity to the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries.

Councillor Michael Begley stated that the lodging of the planning application directly with An Coimisiún Pleanála and not with the local authority “takes away any controversy from ourselves and the local authority” for the company involved. 

Mr Begley noted there are currently five proposed wind turbine developments in Clare, which in his opinion is “too many”.

He also expressed concern regarding the height of proposed turbines and their proximity to housing. 

“In principle, people are not against wind turbines but it’s the haphazard way they go about them … Why isn’t there just one planning permission application?”

Both councillors said the current guidelines for wind turbine developments must be updated, as they are operating from a framework from 2008. The councillors believe that the size, scope and amount of wind turbines have increased, and that the current framework is not fit for purpose. 

Councillor Conor Ryan commented: "It's one of those things where we do need power but it's important the locals are on board. It comes down to local consultation."

In a report prepared as part of a pre-application consultation, planning inspector Liam Bowe stated: “The lands are made up of agricultural fields bounded by hedgerows, some areas of conifer plantations and some peatland.

“There is significant electricity generation and transmission infrastructure in the area and in the vicinity of the prospective site generally associated with Moneypoint and Tarbert power stations.”

More Bowe continues: “It is an objective of the Climate Action Plans 2024 and 2025 to accelerate renewable energy generation, key performance indicators of which is to deliver 80% renewable electricity and 9GW [gigawatts] from onshore wind by 2030.”

“The project would assist in meeting national renewable energy targets and would also result in significant reductions in carbon emissions from electricity generation, while reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuel.”

Following a meeting earlier this month, members of the Commission agreed the proposed development is "considered to be of strategic importance".