Lyrenacarriga Wind Farm delay ‘a disgrace’ - resignations called for

A decision date on the case for the proposed Lyrenacarriga Wind Farm development, currently with An Bord Pleanála, has been pushed back.

The wind farm, which is proposed to stretch across areas of West Waterford and East Cork, went before An Bord Pleanála as a Strategic Infrastructure Development in January.

Originally a decision date of July 8, 2021, was noted on the An Bord Pleanala documents, however, this date has now been pushed back until November 1, 2021.

Lodged by Curns Energy Ltd, the application seeks the construction of up to 17 wind turbines with a maximum overall blade tip height of up to 150 metres, with the windfarm measuring approximately 733 hectares.

Ten-year planning permission and thirty-year operational life are also sought in the application, effective from the date of commissioning of the entire wind farm.

‘DEFINITELY WORRIED’

The topic was raised at this week’s Dungarvan Lismore District meeting by local councillor, James Tobin, who stated he received a letter from An Bord Pleanala informing him that the decision was delayed.

Cllr Tobin branded the delay a ‘disgrace’, noting that the Bord had 18 weeks to make a decision.

“They couldn’t do something in 18 weeks so now they’re giving themselves time to get over the summer holidays before they’ll give a decision,” Cllr Tobin said.

Concerned locals in the Tallow, Knockanore and West Waterford area who would be impacted by the proposed development were also highlighted, as Cllr Tobin noted that they have spent the past five years ‘worried’ and are now being ‘left until November’.

“Those of us that are against this wind farm are definitely worried and these people are leaving us now until the first of November,” Cllr Tobin added.

Resignations of the ‘members’ of An Bord Pleanala were also called for by the councillor as he claimed that if he was an hour late with his submission, it would be disregarded, however, the Bord has now delayed a decision until November.

“I would think it’s about time for the members of An Bord Pleanala to consider their position. I believe they should do the sensible thing and resign and hand it over to someone that will be able to do it,” Cllr Tobin said.

Waterford City and County Council Executive Planner, David Quinn, reminded the councillor that live planning applications could not be discussed at council meetings.

“I can’t go any further with regards to that,” Mr Quinn said.