Planning sought for 100-metre high Central Donegal meteorological mast

SSE Renewables (Ireland) Ltd has sought planning permission from Donegal County Council for the development of a temporary 100-metre-high meteorological mast in central Donegal.

The proposed development, planned for a site in the townland of Meenahorna, is for the erection of a temporary 100-metre-high lattice-type meteorological mast for a period of five years, to be fixed to ground anchors by guy wires and including instruments for measuring local climate conditions, services, and associated equipment.

An infra-red LED aviation light is to be fitted near the top of the lattice section of the proposed meteorological mast, and bird flight deterrent markers are to be fitted to each guy wire at approximately 10-metre intervals. 

The two-hectare site in Meenahorna is situated approximately 5.1km to the northeast of Cloghan, and 13km to the southwest of Letterkenny. The site is currently used for a wind farm development and is “mainly comprised of degraded blanket bog.”

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In a planning statement composed by Jennings O’Donovan and Partners Ltd, on behalf of SSE Renewables (Ireland) Ltd, it was stated that “the proposed development is a key component in the maintenance of renewable energy developments and will ultimately optimise the overall performance of the site, thus according with regional, national and local policy goals and targets regarding the contribution of wind energy to overall renewable energy targets.

“The need to reduce Ireland’s emissions and move towards a low-carbon society has never been more critical, with widespread, dangerous disruptions caused by climate change being ever more prevalent and impacting billions of people globally.”

Concluding the planning rationale, it was said: “Increasing electricity generation from wind power represents the most economical renewable option to reduce emissions within the power generation sector and is the most mature technology available to achieve national targets that have been established for decarbonisation.” 

Donegal County Council has set a decision due date for the submitted application for February 20.