Wind energy development proposed at Sonairte Ecology Centre, Ninch, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 3 wind energy applications Meath 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 five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

Sonairte the National Ecology Centre CLG intend to apply for permission for development at Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, A92 D9XH. The development consists of the following elements: 1. Replacement of an existing small wind turbine (planning approval 91/001334) with a new small wind turbine. The existing turbine has a power output of 18.5 kW and is 25m tall from ground to rotor tip, and has a swept area of 95 sq. meters. This wind turbine will be removed and replaced with a new small wind turbine with a power output of 30 kW which is 31m tall from ground to rotor tip and has a swept area of 156 sq. meters. 2. A new reinforced concrete foundation, 1m deep and 7m in diameter. 3. An electrical hut, 1.8m square, and 2.2m tall at the base of the new wind turbine. The new turbine will utilise existing cabling & ducting from this electrical hut to provide renewable power to Sonairte. 4. Upgrade of the car parking facilities at Sonairte with the installation of two wall mounted electric vehicle (EV) charging points. 5. All associated site works. Under the Renewable Energy Directive III this is considered a development of type “Renewable energy development with capacity of less than 150kW and repowering development”. See further detailed project proposal in cover letter and project proposal document.