Proposed wind farm on Gweebarra River has been refused planning permission

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a 19-turbine wind farm on the Gweebarra River. 

A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála confirmed to Donegal Live that planning permission had been refused for the development, with details of the decision to issue in due course.

The application by Cloghercor Wind Farm Limited was for 19 turbines ranging from 185m to 200m in height, and all associated works. Affected townlands were Clogherachullion, Cloghercor, Derryloaghan, Aghayeevoge, Cashelreagh Glebe, Darney, Drumard, and Drumnacros.

Gweebarra Conservation Group has welcomed the refusal of planning permission. The group had mounted a strong campaign of opposition to the development on the basis of conservation, health concerns, and the right to live a peaceful life. 

On receiving the news,a spokesperson took to social media on Tuesday to say: “Scéal áthais! Fantastic News! An Bord Pleanála have refused permission for an industrial wind plant on the Gweebarra River.

“It is fitting that we have received this news on Natura2000 Day when we celebrate Special Areas of Conservation called Natura 2000 sites throughout Europe. The Gweebarra River is such a place and must be afforded the highest protection.

“Thank you to all the people who attended meetings, put up posters, made submissions to An Bord Pleanála and supported our community effort to protect our environment for this and future generations. 

“Well done everyone. Power to the People!”

As well as provision of the 19 turbines, the planning application included construction of a site entrance and use of an existing forest entrance; modifications to four locations on public roads to facilitate ‘deliver of abnormal loads and turbine delivery’ on the R262 and N56; construction of a temporary hard standing, and of two temporary construction compounds with associated offices, parking and fencing; a permanent 100m meteorological mast; four borrow pits; construction of internal site access and upgrade of site roads; construction of drainage and sediment controls, a permanent electrical substation and associated facilities and works; underground electrical and communications cabling; two stream crossings; forestry felling and replanting.

The planning application also included the development of a permanent public car part with seating /picnic tables; permanent recreation facilities including marked walking trails, and associated amenity signage. 

While a ten year planning permission was sought, the application states that a 35-year operational life from time of completion was also being sought. 

The application stated: “Given the recent advances in turbine technology, and the anticipated lifespan of wind turbines, this is considered to be the optimal operational life for the proposed development.”

Details of reasons for refusal have not yet been made available to the public. A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála told Donegal Live that these documents would be uploaded to the application section of its website in due course.