New date confirmed for oral hearing into plans for controversial Clare wind farm
AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport are opposing the application by Ballycar Green Energy to develop the wind-farm on a 140-hectare site located around 3km outside of Limerick city
A new date has been set for an oral hearing into a planned wind farm in south east Clare, which has attracted significant opposition.
Ballycar Green Energy submitted an application, in 2024, seeking permission to develop the wind-farm on a 140-hectare site located around 3km outside of Limerick city.
If approved, the 12 turbines will be located in the townlands of Cappateemore East, Ballycannan West, Ballycannan East, Ballycar South, Ballycar North, and Glennagross in County Clare.
AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport are among those opposing the proposed development.
An oral hearing was scheduled to take place at Treacy's Oakwood Hotel in Shannon before Christmas but it was postponed at short notice - a decision which attracted significant criticism at the time.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has confirmed the hearing, which is expected to last a day, has been rescheduled and will now take place at the Clayton Hotel in Limerick city on January 22.
In documentation circulated to all parties in advance of the oral hearing, An Coimisiún Pleanála indicated the scope of the hearing will be limited to issues "relevant to Shannon Airport and the Woodcock Hill radar station".
It is proposed that the wind turbines will be 518 feet high and arising from the objections lodged by Shannon Airport and AirNav Ireland, An Coimisiún Pleanála commissioned an independent aviation review by aviation consultancy, Sagentia Aviation.
The 29-page report examines some of the concerns outlined in the submissions made by both AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport.
“The development of the Windfarm at Ballycar would require minimal optimisation of the Woodcock Hill and Shannon Airport radars. The systems in place have the capacity to provide a service even if a large number of turbines were developed in the coverage area. Thales can also provide upgrades and enhancements to both systems should they be required in future," reads one of the conclusions.