ABO HIGHLIGHTS CONSULTATION

ABO Wind Ireland Ltd submitted its new application for Ballymanus Wind Farm on Wednesday, July 5.

The company is seeking ten-year permission to develop the wind farm in locations across south Wicklow including Aughrim, Ballinglen, Annacurra, Ballymanus and Tinahely.

The new application includes plans for up to eleven turbines, one less than the previous refused application.

According to Emmet Egan, Director of ABO Wind Ireland Ltd, the company has re-examined the proposal and has taken local concerns on board.

‘Following the refusal in 2015, we decided to re-examine the proposal and address concerns of the local community in so far as possible before re-submitting,’ said Mr Egan.

‘We would like to thank the local community who contributed to the public consultation. This has resulted in the reduction in the number of turbines, from 12 to eleven and an increase in the minimum setback distance from residential properties.

‘ The changes have also reduced the visual impact to protected views and prospects; we have also worked to address all reasons for refusal set out by Wicklow County Council in 2015,’ Mr Egan said.

He said that the company has engaged with the community during the past two years in advance of making this latest application.

‘ABO Wind has worked over the past two years to involve the local community and try to ensure a clear understanding of the proposal and an open dialogue. Should anyone wish to inspect the proposal and make a submission, all details are available at Wicklow County Council,’ he said.