Cork County Council refuses permission for wind farm grid connection works at tSeithe Bheag (Shehy Beg), Co. Cork

In context

It is one of 8 wind energy applications Cork 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 14 May 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

Erection of eight wind turbines with an overall ground to blade tip height of 175m consisting of a rotor diameter of 150m; and a hub height of 100m, Construction of permanent Turbine hardstands and Turbine Foundations, Construction of one temporary Construction Compound with associated temporary site offices parking areas and security fencing, Installation of meteorological mast with a height of 100m, Development of one on-site Borrow pit, Construction of new permanent internal site access roads and upgrade of existing internal site access roads to include passing bays and all associated drainage infrastructure, Development of a permanent internal site drainage network and sediment control systems, All associated underground electrical power and communications cabling connecting the wind turbines to the on-site substation, Biodiversity enhancement measures. Recreational community improvements including the erection of 4 no. permanent information boards relating to cultural heritage and upgrades to amenity tracks across the site, all associated site development works