2-turbine wind farm with 120m turbines proposed at Moanbrack and Rathnameneenagh, Ring Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

In context

It is one of 4 wind energy applications Waterford City and 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 Waterford City and County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

a renewable energy development with a total capacity of 4.6MW at Moanbrack and Rathnameneenagh Co. Waterford. The development will consist of: • Erection of no. 2 wind turbines with a tip height of 120m. The wind turbines will have a rotor diameter of 82m and a hub height of 79m. • Upgrade of existing access tracks and construction of new permanent access tracks, permanent turbine hardstand areas and turbine foundations. • Installation of a site drainage network including sediment control systems. • Wind Farm internal cabling connecting the wind turbines to the electrical substation. • Construction of a permanent single-storey on-site 20kV substation with grid connection to the existing 20kV Ballycurreen substation, all associated electrical plant and equipment, security fencing, gates, signage, all associated underground cabling, and all ancillary structures and works. • Construction of a permanent single circuit 20kV underground cable grid connection to connect to the existing overhead line serving the existing 20kV Ballycurreen substation. • Construction of a temporary construction compound for use during construction. • Landscaping, fencing and all associated ancillary works. • Ancillary forestry felling to facilitate construction of the proposed development. This application is seeking a ten-year permission and a 35 year operational period from the date of overall commissioning of the entire wind farm. The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply. The planning application and NIS may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority at Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford during its public opening hours {9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday (excl. public holidays)}. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescrib