Major Mayo-Sligo energy project gets go-ahead

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the development of a private wind farm and interconnected hydrogen plant in the Mayo-Sligo border region around Bonniconlon and Castleconnor.

Permission has been granted to Mercury Renewables for the wind farm, consisting of 13 wind turbines, generating 78 MW of power, with a 110kV substation at Carrowleagh, Bonniconlon, and the hydrogen plant, which will generate 80MW, at Curraun, Castleconnor, Co Sligo. The permission also includes an underground grid link of 6.7km.

The planning application included both an environmental-impact assessment report (EIAR) and a natura impact statement, while the hydrogen-plant aspect was subject to several other codes, including an industrial-emissions licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The planning application was subject to a number of observations from people living and/or farming in the local area during two periods of statutory consultation. Many of the observations were related to the proposed development site being an inappropriate location for such a development and others related to issues arising from the construction period and the ongoing operation of the facility.

However, senior planning inspector with An Bord Pleanála Mary MacMahon, in her planning assessment, recommended granting planning permission subject to conditions.

She said the wind farm and hydrogen plant would help meet certain climate goals and policies, adding: “The proposed development is consistent with climate-change policy and would aid in achieving the transition to a net-zero economy, as well as increasing energy security and resilience.”

Ms MacMahon said the risks associated with this development had been addressed by the applicant and the project would be in accordance with the proper planning methods for the local area.

“The proposed development would not give rise to serious injury to visual or residential amenity, would be acceptable in terms of traffic impacts and would, otherwise, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

An Bord Pleanála agreed with its inspector and granted planning permission.