Irish wind farm refused planning permission over threat to safety of golden eagles
Proposed eight-turbine wind farm in Graffy, near Glenties, refused by An Coimisíun Pleanála
Plans for a major wind farm in Ireland have been rejected over fears that the development could pose a serious threat to two of the country's protected eagle species.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused permission for the construction of eight wind turbines near Glenties in Co Donegal, citing concerns for both Golden eagles and White-tailed eagles.
The proposed Graffy Wind Farm would have been built across a 46-hectare site, with the turbines operating for an estimated 30 years.
However, planning inspectors raised serious concerns about the potential impact on local wildlife, particularly the risk of eagles colliding with turbine blades and being driven away from their natural habitats.
In a particularly concerning finding, an inspector's report revealed that three White-tailed eagles had been found dead at two nearby wind farms within the previous year, with two of the deaths recorded within 6km of the proposed development.
The report also highlighted the vulnerability of Golden eagles in Donegal, where just five breeding pairs are believed to remain in the county's upland areas.
Planning authorities concluded that the developer had failed to adequately demonstrate that the protected birds would not be harmed by the project.
Concerns were also raised about the visual impact of the turbines on the surrounding landscape, which is recognised for its exceptional scenic beauty.
Although the commission acknowledged the potential benefits of renewable energy, it ultimately determined that the proposed location was unsuitable for the development.