Fourteen-turbine wind farm planned for along Limerick-Tipperary border

A NEW wind farm development is being planned around the East Limerick-West Tipperary border.

The development of 14 turbines, to reach 185 metres high and 163 metres wide has been earmarked for a series of townlands near Doon.

The company behind the plans is Carrow Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of Limerick firm Atlantic Infrastructure Renewables.

It has submitted a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála which identifies 35 townlands in Limerick and 27 townlands in Tipperary for development.

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Among the townlands referenced in Limerick are Doon South, Cappamore, Brittas, Milltown and Killonan.

“These lands have been identified as having potential to accommodate a wind farm development and feasibility studies have been undertaken to assess the site potential over the past few years,” the company stated on its website.

According to the planning application, the height of the hubs, which the windmills themselves will be attached to will be just over 100 metres.

Two control buildings will host a substation compound, which will feature electrical gear.

The development will bring with it underground cabling.

An existing local road will be upgraded, with steel fences and gates erected around the site to serve as its main entrance should the project get the go-ahead.

Temporary construction compounds and accommodation will also be provided in the event of a grant of permission.

The applicants, Carrow Renewable Energy, received a boost when An Coimisiún Pleanála directed the project is deemed to be a ‘strategic infrastructure development’.

This refers to a special category of construction projects which are considered essential for the country’s economic or social development.

These projects go through a fast-tracked planning process handled directly by An Bord Coimisiún Pleanala instead of local councils.

Among the types of projects that benefit from this designation are major road projects, new railway lines, airports and port extensions, major housing projects, as well as green energy initiatives like this one.

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A decision is due by this time next year, in line with new legislation which states a verdict on renewable projects must be reached within 12 months.

Had the project not received the strategic designation, the developer would have had to lodge two separate planning applications.

One would be to Limerick City and County Council covering the land on the Treaty side of the border. The other would be to Tipperary County Council.

Carrow Renewable Energy did not return a request for comment.