Landmark decision for renewable energy
On Friday, 10th January 2025, Justice Richard Humphreys of the planning and environment section of the High Court delivered a judgment in favour of the developer of the Coolglass Wind Farm. The High Court found that the Board had prioritised the visual impacts of the wind farm over compliance with national and EU legally binding targets to address the climate emergency. Mr Justice Humphreys delivered a judgement that reinforces the responsibilities of the State under section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.
Gort Homes Developments Ltd, Co. Galway
MKO is pleased to announce that Galway County Council has granted planning permission to our client, Gort Homes Developments Ltd, for a large-scale residential development on the Loughrea Road (R380) in Gort, Co. Galway. This exciting development will bring 220 residential units to the area, enhancing the local housing supply. The development will consist of a mix of housing types, including 3-bed and 4-bed houses, 2-bed and 3-bed duplexes, and 1-bed and 2-bed apartments, catering to various housing needs. Additionally, the project will feature commercial spaces, including a café, retail units, coworking office spaces, and a crèche. An activity centre and communal amenity spaces for senior living will also be part of the development.
MKO was delighted to play an instrumental role in obtaining this planning permission through its provision of planning, ecological, environmental and acoustics consultancy services. This development is a major advancement for Gort, providing essential housing stock for the south Galway area.
Westside Primary Care Centre, Galway City
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to our client for the development of a Primary Care Centre at Seamus Quirke Road in Galway. The scheme will provide a state-of-the-art healthcare facility which will be operated by the HSE. The new Primary Care Centre will be a 6-9 storey (over basement) building, featuring a pharmacy, café, and various healthcare services. Additionally, the development will include a Tusla building and an ambulance base, enhancing the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region.
MKO offered a range of services as part of this planning application, including planning and ecological consulting and reporting. Our team also oversaw the project application process, collaborating closely with a skilled design team to ensure the successful delivery of this application. Upon completion, this scheme will provide an exceptional healthcare amenity which will serve the greater Galway region well into the future.
ATU Letterkenny Library, Co. Donegal
MKO is thrilled to announce that Donegal County Council has granted planning permission to our client, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), for a major extension at their Letterkenny campus. This exciting development includes a new three-storey library, IT, and general education building, which will significantly enhance the campus facilities.
The new building will feature reading rooms, book stacks, lecture theatres, classrooms, computer labs, group study rooms, staff offices, and administration spaces. Additionally, the project includes a new greenway with a bicycle path and pedestrian walkway, as well as a covered bicycle shelter with a capacity for 50 bicycles. MKO provided comprehensive planning advice and prepared a detailed planning application, including a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to ensure the protection of the local environment. Our team also managed the project application process, working closely with a talented design team to bring this development to fruition. We are proud to have played a key role in securing this planning permission, which will greatly benefit the students and staff of ATU, as well as the wider community in Donegal.
Hometree, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
MKO is pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission for a comprehensive development project on Ardnaculla Road, Ennistymon, undertaken for the charity Hometree. This project will significantly enhance the agricultural and horticultural facilities in the area, supporting Hometree’s mission to restore and protect natural habitats.
The development includes the construction of five horticultural polytunnels, a horticultural shed, and a welfare block with toilets and washroom facilities. Additionally, new internal access tracks will be developed to improve site connectivity. The project also features the installation of a treatment unit and percolation area to support the new welfare block.
MKO delivered extensive planning guidance and crafted a thorough planning application, ensuring all ecological considerations were addressed. This planning permission will greatly benefit Hometree’s efforts in promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Planning news
Almost a third of electricity supplied to Ireland came from wind in 2024, as 5GW wind energy mark passed
According to Wind Energy Ireland almost one third of all electricity to Ireland in 2024 was supplied by wind energy. Despite this the share of electricity supplied by wind fell by 3% compared to 2023. In their annual report, Wind Energy Ireland states that this was mainly due to the electricity grid not being strong enough, resulting in wind farms having to power down, causing wind energy to be wasted. Significantly, however, Ireland has passed the 5GW mark for wind energy, representing more than half of the Climate Action Plan 2024 target of 9GW by the year 2030. With wind energy generated electricity amounting to 13,258GWh last year, representing more than one and a half times the overall consumption of residential customers.
EirGrid on track to operate the State’s power system with up to 95% renewables
Significant progress has been made by Ireland’s transmission system operator (TSO), EirGrid to achieve their 2030 goal of operating the power system with up to 95% renewable energy at any one time. Currently the power system can operate with up to 75% renewable energy. However, 95% is the level required to achieve the government’s target of an average of 80% of the State’s electricity being supplied by renewable energy by 2030.
Local area plans and county development plan news
Proposed Material Alterations to the Draft Carrick-on-Shannon Joint Local Area Plan 2025-2031. 8th January 2025 - 7th February 2025
Draft Gort Local Area Plan 2025-2031 – 9th January 2025 - 20th February 2025
Proposed Variation 3 to the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027 – 6th December 2024 - 17th January 2025
Proposed Variation No. 1 to Carlow County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 – 8th January – 5th February 2025