Six-month delay to Westmeath windfarm planning verdict

An Bord Pleanála's decision on a controversial plan to develop a windfarm between Moyvoughley and Drumraney in South Westmeath has been delayed until next March.

Its verdict on the planning bid for nine wind turbines, with a tip height of 185 metres, had initially been scheduled for September 6.

However, the board recently wrote to those who made submissions on the project to tell them its decision required "further consideration" and was being deferred.

March 6, 2024, is the new date by which a planning decision is due to be made by the board.

Last year, An Bord Pleanála ruled that the proposed windfarm was a 'strategic infrastructure development' and, as a result, the planning application could bypass Westmeath County Council and go straight to the board.

According to the application, which was lodged in March, 18 landowners gave consent to have their land used for the project, which is being developed in association with Cork-based company Enerco Energy Ltd.

Westmeath County Council has made a submission to the board not recommending that the windfarm be granted planning permission.

A report on the development by council CEO Pat Gallagher and a team of three senior officials said the local authority did not recommend approval on the basis that the development contravened the Westmeath County Development Plan which says windfarms should be directed to cutaway peatlands.

A local community group, 'No to Wind Farm in Ballymore, Drumraney, Moyvoughley Area' has also been campaigning in opposition to the project.

The proposed development would be located 2km southwest of Ballymore, and 6.6km north of Moate, in the townlands of Ballynafearagh, Raheen, Baskin High, Baskin Low, Lissanode, Umma Beg or Moneynamanagh, and Umma More.

It would consist of nine turbines, "with an overall ground-to-blade tip height of 185 metres; a rotor blade diameter of 162 metres; and hub height of 104 metres," as well as foundations and hardstanding areas.

The application is for a 30-year lifespan for the turbines "from the date of full commissioning of the wind farm".

A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála told the Westmeath Independent it had received a total of 58 submissions in relation to the application.

The spokesperson said these submissions could be viewed in its office or at Westmeath County Council.