Decision on controversial wind farm in Finn Valley expected today

 

A decision is expected today on a controversial €200 million wind farm in the Finn Valley which if permitted would be the biggest on shore windfarm in Ireland.
Cork based company Planree Limited is proposing to build the Carrickaduff wind farm with up to 49 turbines but there has been considerable local opposition.
Under the fast-tracking Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) process, the planning application by-passed Donegal County Council and was lodged directly with An Bord Pleanala in the New Year.
If given the go ahead, the development would be Ireland’s biggest onshore wind farm and would see the contruction of 49 wind turbines, each 500-feet high – over a 15km stretch of the Donegal countryside, including the Barnesmore Gap.
The Carrickaduff wind farm would have an output of 105MW – its developers have offered a €3m local community fund over the next 25 years to pay for projects in the area.
One local resident said they would not stand by and allow developers from Cork divide the community on the promise of a quick buck for a few farmers.
While a decision on the development is expected today, it could also be deferred.