Planning permission has been refused for the Coumnagappul Wind Farm by An Bord Pleanala.
The proposed €88m development by EMPower – which was first submitted in November 2023 – was to include 10 wind turbines stretching across the townlands of Coumnagappul, Carrigbrack, Knockavanniamountain, Barricreemountain Upper and Glennaneanemountain and Skeehans in the vicinity of the Comeragh Mountains.
Waterford City & County Council recommended that An Bord Pleanala refuse permission for the development in their submissions.
In a ruling on April 11th following a thorough inspector’s report, An Bord Pleanala moved to refuse permission for the development – which was subject to a number of appeals from local residents.
It was acknowledged that the development is an identified exclusion zone for wind energy. In that context, it was ruled that any development would materially contravene policy objectives set out in the current Waterford County Development Plan.
The proposed development is in an identified exclusion zone for wind energy in the statutory development plan for the area – and it was determined that the application site is not an appropriate location for the proposed development.
The subject site is located within an upland area designated ‘most sensitive’ area on the Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment – in an area of scenic value.
The proposed development by virtue of its layout and scale would adversely interfere with the intrinsic character, integrity and distinctive qualities of the landscape setting which is considered necessary to preserve under the County Development Plan 2022-2028.
It was also determined that the visual impact of erecting the turbines would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development – most discernible in the immediate locality particularly within five kilometres, which would have an adverse impact on nearby amenities.
The proposed development would also have resulted in the loss of 7.25 hectares of dry heat habitat and 5.94 hectares of wet heath – resulting in the Board not being satisfied that the proposed development would not result in a significant loss of biodiversity.
An Bord Pleanala also ruled that the development would be contrary to efforts made to avoid the deterioration of habitats affecting protected bird species.
The ruling on the wind farm was broadly welcomed at this month’s Comeragh District meeting of Waterford City and County Council.
Cllr Liam Brazil said: “Our mountains are something we should be proud of and that people can have, so I’m delighted that Waterford City and County Council and An Bord Pleanala both refused this monstrosity.”
“Planning for solar farms seem to be really getting out of hand, not only in Waterford but all over the country,” said District Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seanie Power.
“They seem to be going in ‘ten a penny’ at this stage and I think it’s something that government really needs to be taking into account at this stage. We’re using the best agricultural land for solar panels and also spoiling our beautiful countryside for people who are living next to them and devaluing their houses.”
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