Galway County Council grants permission for 11-turbine wind farm with 150m turbines at Knockranny Ardderroo Letter, Moycullen, Co. Galway

In context

It is one of 3 wind energy applications Galway County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 60 nationally. Of the 84 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 22 November 2023. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

for the following: (1) alterations to the Cnoc Raithní (Knockranny) Wind Farm (Galway County Council pl. ref. no. 13/829 & ABP ref: 07.243094 comprising 11no. wind turbines with an overall ground to blade tip height of 150m (an increase of 19.5m & 9.5m from 130.5m & 140.5m, as previously permitted), a rotor blade length of 68m or 69m & a hub height of 81m or 82m; associated increase in turbine foundations; & omission of permitted on-site 110kV substation & underground cabling; (2) provision of underground electrical (33kV) & communications cabling connecting the 11no. wind turbines to the Ardderroo wind farm substation for the purposes of connection to the national grid, including a new cable service track (with watercourse/culvert crossings) & widening of an existing access road; extension of the Ardderroo substation within the existing substation compound, including control building extension, new 110kV transformer & electrical plant & apparatus; (3) all associated site development & ancillary works above & below ground in support of the above, including site drainage & tree felling; (4) an operational period & planning permission duration to align with the existing permission (ABP ref: 07.243094). An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) & Natura Impact Statement (NIS) have been prepared & will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application