A windfarm in South Donegal has been given the go ahead by An Bord Pleanala depsite a recomendation by its own inspector that permission be refused.
M.D. South Windfarm Limited have recieved a10 year permission for development of the 11 turbine wind farm close to Laghey, outside Donegal Town.
The turbines will be 74 metres in height with a rotor diameter of 93 metres. The plans also include the construction of an electrical compound and substation.
A Kevin Derring and Peter Crossan had objected to the council decision arguing that the windfarm would intrude on the scenic beauty of the area damaging tourism potential.
The same two raised their objections with An Bord Pleanala
The board’s own Inspector recomended refusal of permission noting the site is located in an elevated position overlooking Lough Derg, which is an area of particular cultural heritage significance and of pilgrimage.
They assed that the development would be a visually obtrusive feature, which would adversely affect the tranquillity and setting of Lough Derg.
That was rejected by the planning board which has imposed conditions to mitigate the visual impact from
Lough Derg.
The board also found that the development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, would not give rise to pollution, would not be injurious to the cultural heritage of the area and would not be prejudicial to public health.
