Offaly County Council grants permission for wind energy development at Bord Na Móna lands, Co. Offaly

In context

It is one of 3 wind energy applications Offaly 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 29 January 2026. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

the development of a recreational shared cycle and walkway located on Bord Na Móna lands. The development proposes the following: a) The delivery of a shared cycle and walkway on Bord na Móna lands. This will include the repurposing of 18,958 meters of existing former rail bed and 827 meters along pre-existing machine access routes. b) The proposed shared cycle and walkway will connect into the existing Grand Canal Way within the townlands of Coole and Knockballyboy; the Public Amenity Facilities at Mountlucas Wind Farm within the townlands of Clonarrow or Riverlyons and Drumcaw or Mountlucas; and the Cloncreen Wind Farm Amenity Track within the townland of Clongarret. c) The construction of car and / or bicycle parking facilities at a number of gateway locations along the proposed route and the provision of EV Charging spaces at the Gateway locations. This will include; i. 3 Type 3 Gateways, ii. 2 Type 4 Gateways, iii. 7 Minor Rest Points d) Upgrade works to 2 no. local access road crossings, and 6 no. agricultural crossings. e) Upgrade works to the Croghan Tippler Bridge (BNM Ref 37-109) and the Ballycon Rail Bridge (BNM Ref 37-112). f) The construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge extending to 30.5 meters spanning the Grand Canal within the Coole townland, located adjacent to the existing Grand Canal lift bridge (BNM Ref 37-05). g) The erection of wayfinding and interpretative signage at Gateway locations along the route. h) The implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) nature-based drainage proposals at the Gateway locations to cater for surface water drainage at car park locations. i) Fencing and screening will be erected where required for biodiversity reasons which will include 7,636 meters of ecological screening. j) All other ancillary and associated site work. This Planning Application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)