Mayo County Council refuses permission for 7-turbine wind farm with 160m turbines at Knockroe, Co. Mayo

In context

It is one of 6 wind energy applications Mayo County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 62 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 13 July 2026. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

We, Cunlaghfadda Green Energy Limited, intend to apply for a ten-year planning permission for development in the townlands of Knockroe, Cunlaghfadda, Harefield, Cloonbaul and Knockaunakill, County Mayo. The development will comprise the provision of a renewable energy development consisting of the following: i. 7 no. wind turbines with a top of foundation to blade tip height of 160 metres; a rotor blade diameter of 136 metres; and hub height of 92 metres,1 no. meteorological mast with a height of 92 metres and subsequent decommissioning of the wind turbines and meteorological mast following a thirty five-year operational life from the date of full commissioning of the wind turbines; ii. Turbine and meteorological mast foundations and associated temporary and permanent hard-standing areas; iii. All associated underground electrical and communications cabling and subsequent decommissioning of all underground cabling within the site connecting the turbines to a proposed 110kV substation following a thirty five year operational life from the date of full commissioning of the wind turbines; iv. 1 no. temporary construction compound; v. Upgrade and widening of existing internal tracks and provision of new permanent and temporary site access tracks and all associated site drainage; vi. Upgrade and temporary road widening works along the L15053 and provision of 1 no. passing bay; vii. 1 no. new temporary site entrance off the L1505 in the townland of Knockroe to accommodate the delivery of abnormal loads and construction phase traffic; viii. 1 no. new permanent site entrance in the townlands of Cunlaghfadda and Cloonbaul; ix. 1 no. borrow pit; x. 10 no. peat and spoil management areas; xi. 2 no. temporary security cabins; xii. Tree felling and vegetation removal; xiii. Biodiversity enhancement areas; xiv. Site drainage; xv. Site fencing, gates and signage; and xvi. All related site works above and below ground and all ancillary development.