Energy company seeks permission to erect 100-metre 'met mast' on Clare farm

ONE of Ireland's leading renewable energy companies is seeking permission to erect a meteorological mast on farmlands in south east Clare.

If approved, the mast, which will be 100 metres high, will be used by EDF Renewables Ireland to provide it with updated wind data for a proposed wind farm which it is hoping to develop close to the site at Killeagy, near Bridgetown.

The company has lodged a planning application with Clare County Council seeking permission to erect the temporary 'lattice type' mast for a five-year period.

The proposed mast will be erected on rural lands which are currently used as an "agricultural grazing field for livestock."

"The applicant plans to lodge an application for a wind farm development in the vicinity of the subject site in the future given the met mast measures favourable results. The applicant is currently preparing for pre-planning consultations with regards to the intention to submit a planning application for what is to be known as the 'Lackareagh Wind Farm," states a report prepared by planning consultants on behalf of EDF Renewables Ireland.

Wind turbine gets go-ahead in Clare

"The proposed met mast will be used to provide updated wind date foer the site and inform the turbine selection process for the proposals," states the report adding that the location of the met mast has been chosen as it will "provide the best representative date for this portion of the likely future wind farm area".

A number of reports have been submitted to the local authority and submissions, objections or observations must be lodged by November 22.

Subject to any extension, a decision is due to be made by December 13.