In September 2014, Ardderroo Windfarm Ltd. applied to An Bord Pleanála for permission for a 29 no turbine wind farm development at the same site. Following a further information response and an oral hearing in 2015, the Board refused planning permission in December 2015. The reasons for refusal were that, according to the Board, the bird and bat survey data provided in the EIS and NIS was inadequate in duration and scope with regard to best international practice and, therefore, there was insufficient information on which to base a robust assessment of the potential effects on bird and bat species or to consider the potential effects on the qualifying interests on several Natura 2000 sites in the vicinity of the proposed development. In November 2018, MKO submitted a second application for a wind energy development at the site, accompanied by an EIAR and NIS with additional and more extensive survey data for bird and bat species which, therefore, allowed the Board to carry out a robust assessment of the potential impacts on these species and to consider the potential impacts on the qualifying interests on Natura 2000 sites in the vicinity of the proposed development.
Ireland faces significant challenges through efforts to meet its targets for renewable energy by 2030 and its commitment to transition to a low carbon economy by 2050. The Ardderroo Wind Farm development is critical to helping Ireland address these challenges and the country’s over-dependence on imported fossil fuels. The development is due to be fully operational by the end of 2023.
