Wind farm refused planning amid concerns for eagle safety

Detailed summary

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning for an eight-turbine wind farm near Glenties, Co Donegal, citing risks to the Golden eagle and the White-tailed eagle.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning for an eight-turbine wind farm near Glenties, Co Donegal, citing risks to the Golden eagle and the White-tailed eagle.

Donegal County Council refused planning permission for Graffy Wind Farm in 2021, a decision upheld by An Coimisiún Pleanála in December 2023.

A High Court decision quashed that order last year and readmitted the case to the commission, who subsequently sought further submissions and observations.

Cuilfeach Teoranta had sought a ten-year permission for the eight-turbine wind farm with an operational life of 30 years along with an underground grid connection.

The 46-hectare site in An Ghrafaidh, north east of Glenties is mostly open moor areas with rough grazing, conifer plantations and historic turf cutting.

An Coimisiún Pleanála refused planning for the proposed wind farm, stating that it 'would constitute a highly obtrusive development' within a ‘scenic amenity’.

The commission said concerns that the wind farm would provide a ‘significant risk of collision’ for the White-tailed eagle and habitat loss and displacement for the Golden eagle were not adequately addressed.

A 134-page inspector’s report noted that the area of the proposed development is a known breeding territory for White-tailed eagles and Golden eagles.

The report said three White-tailed eagles were found dead on two nearby wind farms in the previous year, two within 6km of the proposed site.

Opening of the article, excerpted from RTÉ. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.