An Coimisíun Pleanála rejects new bridge and access tracks for Killybegs Wind Farm

An Coimisíun Pleanála has rejected an appeal for the construction of new access tracks and a temporary bridge to a windfarm near Killybegs.

The appeal was brought by Bradán Wind Limited, who were appealing a decision by Donegal County Council in August 2024 to deny planning permission for the proposed plans.

Proposals included the upgrading of an existing access track and site entrance, construction of new access tracks and a new site entrance, and the construction of a temporary bridge and all associated site works. 

The townlands of Faiafannan and Cunlin, 3.5km north of Killybegs Harbour, were the planned location for the developments, with the site of the permitted Bradán Wind Farm and its site entrance directly west of the location.

Natural Forces, A Canadian company that has proposed the Bradán Wind Farm, says the project could provide enough electricity to 3,000 Irish homes annually. 

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The application by Bradán Wind Limited stated that the proposals would serve for “abnormal load deliveries” for one turbine and that on completion of the abnormal load deliveries, the proposed temporary bridge would be removed, and the remaining sections of the track would become farm tracks for day-to-day farming activities.

Third-party observations raised several matters that those who opposed the project felt should be considered, including the thought that the proposals were “overdevelopment to facilitate one turbine.”

Further considerations included the impact on biodiversity and the sensitive peat landscape, peat stability, the risk of pollution to water quality, and concerns regarding the suitability of narrow local roads to cater for heavy-duty machinery and heavy traffic. 

It was also questioned why a 10-year access permission was needed, as the 10-year access permission plan is to “come across bogland is for a bigger purpose.”

Senior Planning Inspector for An Coimisíun Pleanála, Heidi Thorsdalen, recommended a refusal of planning permission for the proposed developments, as she considered the uncertainty relating to peat stability, the absence of an assessment of the impact on the hydrological and hydrogeological regime, the uncertainty as to the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures in dealing with peat stability and impact on water quality and water flows. 

Thorsdalen further stated that the Board was not satisfied that the development would not have adverse effects on surface water, groundwater, and upland blanket bog habitat, and would be considered contrary to the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030.  

Planning Commissioner, Mick Long, signed An Coimisíun Pleanála’s refusal to grant planning permission for the project, stating that the “concerns of the Inspector of the impact of the proposed development on local waterbodies,” and that “the commission also noted that an alternative haul route has been permitted to serve the windfarm development.”