An Bord Pleanála has ordered the developers of a proposed South-East Clare windfarm to address significant concerns for aviation safety in the region.
It follows objections by AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport over the planned Ballycar Windfarm’s proximity to the Woodcock Hill Radar Station.
In April, AirNav Ireland which has responsibility for air traffic management within the state’s airspace lodged a submission , stating the proposed windfarm would degrade the performance of its surveillance infrastructure in the region.
Ballycar Green Energy LTD is planning to build twelve turbines up to 158m in height on a 140 hectare site just north of Meelick.
The company claims the windfarm will generate enough power for 30,000 homes and will create up to 240 jobs – 180 during the construction phase and 60 thereafter.
According to Air Nav Ireland though, dut to the proximity and scale of the turbines, there’s no credible way to eliminate radar beam deflections.
As a result, AirNav Ireland claims the development would reduce the level of safety at its Shannon en-route and Dublin en-route control centres, which it states are responsible for monitoring much of “Europe’s Transatlantic Air Traffic”.
After taking a supporting objection from Shannon Airport into account as well, An Bord Pleanála has now requested Ballycar Green Energy LTD prepare a technical report outlining how it will address the safety concerns.
In the report, the applicant is required to demonstrate significant consultation with Shannon Airport and AirNav Ireland and ensure all aviation concerns have been addressed to their satisfaction.
Ballycar Green Energy has 8 weeks to supply the further information, with a deadline set for September 20th.
