Clare County Council refuses permission for 5-turbine wind farm with 150m turbines at Tooreen, Slievenalicka Illaunbaun, Co. Clare

In context

It is one of 4 wind energy applications Clare County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 61 nationally. Of the 85 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 74% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 4 December 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues. The applicant sought a 10-year permission, which sets how long they have to start the development.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Clare County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

for the development of Illaunbaun Wind Farm in the townlands of Tooreen, Slievenalicka, Illaunbaun, Drumbaun & Lackamore (although no infrastructure will be sited within Lackamore townland), County Clare. The development will consist of: • Construction of 5 wind turbines with a maximum overall blade tip height of 150 m. • Construction of associated turbine foundations, crane pad hardstand and assembly areas. • Construction of one permanent 38 kV electrical on-site substation with one control building with welfare facilities, all associated electrical switchgear, security fencing, underground cabling, drainage infrastructure, and all ancillary works. • All associated internal underground electrical and communications cabling connecting the wind turbines to the on-site Substation. • Upgrade of existing tracks, roads and provision of new site access roads to facilitate construction & operation of the wind farm. • Two borrow pits. • Three peat repository areas for peat & spoil management. • Construction of one temporary construction compound. • Development of internal site drainage. • Permanent & Temporary tree felling to accommodate the construction & operation. • Signages and • All associated site development works. This application is seeking 10-year planning permission, along with a 35-year operational life for the wind farm from the date of its commissioning. The development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive 2023/2413) Yes x No The planning application is subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended. When a notice is issued in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) & Screening for Appropriate Assessment have been prepared in respect of the planning application and will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.