Mayo community's delight as windfarm plan is rejected

Locals have expressed their delight after Mayo County Council refused planning permission for a proposed windfarm near Mayo Abbey.

Cunlaghfadda Green Energy Limited had applied for permission to build the windfarm, with the development set to impact the townlands of Knockroe, Cunlaghfadda, Harefield, Cloonbaul and Knockaunakill. The firm sought permission for seven wind turbines, each with a foundation-to-blade-tip height of 160 metres.

In refusing permission, the council found the proposed development would have a significant negative impact on the landscape, including on a designated scenic route with a protected view, and would interfere with the character of the area.

The council also said the development would undermine the setting of Mayo Abbey Cemetery and Church ruins, an important early Christian ecclesiastical site. It found the development would erode the local landscape and visual quality of public open views while adversely impacting the unique rural character of the area.

A third reason for refusal was in relation to residential properties. The council found that the extent of the technology required to attempt to address the potential impact of excessive shadow flicker on 40 nearby properties showed the site was unsuitable for a development of this nature.

The application prompted a large amount of local opposition, with 169 submissions lodged with the council. Concerns were raised by members of the local community, political representatives, including local councillors Richard Finn and Patsy O'Brien, Paul Lawless TD, and state bodies, including Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Reacting to the decision, Cunlaghfadda Mayo Abbey Voice, a community information group for residents and businesses in the area, said the refusal followed months of hard work by residents, community groups and supporters. The group thanked everyone who took the time to read the planning application, attend meetings, prepare submissions and make their voices heard.

“To everyone who stood with our community, thank you. Every submission, every conversation and every act of support mattered,” they said.

The group acknowledged that the planning process “may not be over yet”, noting that an appeal or future planning applications are a possibility, but pledged to keep the community informed of any future developments.

“For today, however, we would like to thank everyone who helped ensure that the voices of our community were heard. Together we stood. Together we were heard,” they added.