Laois council report critical of proposed windfarm plan

A council report to An Bord Pleanala will outline how a proposed wind farm contravenes the Laois County Development plan. 

The Chief Executive’s Report will also highlight contradictions identified by Laois planners in an application lodged with An Bord Pleanala  by Coolglass Windfarm Ltd.  

The wind farm developer is seeking to have the 13 turbine development granted planning as a Strategic Infrastructure Development. 

The classification means it doesn’t need to go through the planning process with Laois County Council and a decision would be made by An Bord Pleanala. An Bord Pleanala can approve the plans even if they contravene the Laois County Development plan. 

Members of Laois County Council were sent a copy of the report the council intends to send to An Bord Pleanala. 

Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy said he believed the report addresses all of the concerns around the development. 

“I have read this report and I am absolutely delighted,” he said. 

Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming complimented the council and in particular the planning department. He noted there have been a number of public meetings in relation to the plan. 

“It finds major flaws in their application,” said Cllr Fleming. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran said she supported wind energy but only in the right place. She said the setback of 500 metres was unacceptable for wind turbines with a height of 600 feet. 

“This is a red zone which as a council decided that there was not to be any turbines whatsoever. they have put in two lots,” she said. Cllr Moran expressed her belief that an even stronger objection should be made . 

Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins was pleased with the level of detail in the report. 

“What strikes me is the number of contradictions and discrepancies in the application,” he said. 

“It seemed to be an incompetent application to me,” he remarked. 

Fine Gael Cllr Willie Aird asked whether the 110kv cables would be placed underground. He expressed his belief that all overhead high voltage cables should be placed underground for health and safety.  

Independent Cllr Ollie Clooney said he favoured wind farms but only in the right place. He said where they are approved the council should charge them high rates as he claimed each wind turbine can earn up to €1 million a year for the operators.

Cllr Moran asked that the comments from the council meeting be included with the Chief Executive’s report. 

Director of Services Angela McEvoy said the comments from the meeting could be submitted along with the Chief Executive’s report.

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Fianna Fail Cllr John Joe Fennelly congratulated everyone in the council’s planning department.