The appeals board dismissed an appeal by An Taisce against a Clare County Council decision to give the go-ahead to plans by Hibernian Windpower Ltd to construct an 11-unit 375ft high wind farm at Boolynagleragh, Lissycasey.
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The proposal is one of four wind farms involving 40 wind turbines in the general area that have secured planning permission, are seeking planning or are operational.
In its ruling, the appeals board ordered the omission of two turbines. The wind farm is to be located on a 180-hectare site containing some bog and Hibernian states that it will produce 27.5MW of electricity.
However, in his inspector's report, Bord Pleanála planner, Conor McGrath recommended that planning permission be refused as there was a failure to investigate and adequately describe the impact of the proposed development on ground stability in the vicinity of the turbines.
Mr McGrath also stated that there were inconsistencies in evidence submitted in relation to the cumulative impact of wind farms on the protected hen harrier bird.
(BMcC/GK)
