Green light for expansion of Mayo wind farm
Approval has been given for the construction of 18 turbines in North Mayo as part of the project.
An Bord Pleanála has approved phase three of Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm development.
The planning authority has given the green light to Bord na Móna for the construction of 18 turbines at the Oweninny Wind Farm in North Mayo. The Bellacorrick windfarm, which opened in March last year, currently boasts 60 turbines.
The expansion will take place within the townlands of Laghtanvack, Croaghaun (also known as Croaghaun West), Moneynieran, Corvoderry, Shanvolahan, Dooleg More, Shranakilly, Bellacorrick and Shanvodinnaun.
An Bord Pleanála said it made its decision consistent with Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act; the Climate Action Plan 2024; and the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
The board said it took into consideration European legislation and national, regional and local planning policy. The board considered that the proposed development is of strategic importance.
The board said while visual impact cannot be fully mitigated, “it is considered that the environmental effects would not justify a refusal of planning permission having regard to the overall benefits of the proposed development”.
An Bord Pleanala said a managed approach to construction is required to mitigate noise, vibration, dust, and traffic issues.
The board noted that there will be a significant visual impact on the vista presently enjoyed by residents along/off the L5292 in the townlands of Formoyle, Corvoderry, Shanvolahan and Doobehy.
It stated that the majority of habitat loss will be restricted to cutover bog habitats of "low ecological value". However, mitigation measures are required to protect the spawning and nursery habitats of salmon crayfish and lamprey.
The development is also likely to have a significant effect on bats and mitigation measures will be necessary to protect bird habitats during breeding season.
When launched in March, the wind farm project, a joint venture between the ESB and Bord na Móna, was hailed as having the potential to produce enough clean energy to meet the electricity demand of approximately 140,000 homes and businesses.
A cable fault knocked the wind farm out of action for two months last year.
Phase one, comprising 29 turbines, was completed in 2019 while the 31 turbines in phase two entered commercial operation last year.
