Courts / Tipperary / Report

Windfarm challenges fast-tracked

Date
2016-11-16

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Newport

Summary

In the Commercial Court, Mr Justice Brian McGovern has fast‑tracked two environmental challenges to windfarm projects in the south of Ireland. The first case concerns Peter Sweetman's objection to Tipperary County Council's extension of planning permission for a 16‑turbine windfarm at Castlewaller, Newport. Sweetman questions the viability of the €46 million project, which was originally approved in 2012 and extended in July. The council's developer, Castlewaller Woodland and Partnership (CWP), argues the extension is necessary for the project to qualify for the REFIT II state financial support scheme and for the creation of 30–40 construction jobs and 7 full‑time positions. The case is scheduled to return to court in May. The second fast‑tracked case involves the North Kerry Wind Turbine Awareness Group challenging An Bord Pleanala's permission for 10 turbines near Lixnaw, Kerry. The challenge cites non‑compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the EU Habitats Directive.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Windfarm challenges fast-tracked. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

2016-11-16 Publication

Why: That action, which has also been adjourned, to has been brought because of concerns that any serious delay on the proposal will seriously jeopardise that schemes participation in the REFIT II scheme. CNI source report

Case subjects

Environmental Impact Assessment Directive

Applicant

Outcome: That action, which has also been adjourned, to has been brought because of concerns that any serious delay on the proposal will seriously jeopardise that schemes participation in the REFIT II scheme.

Eu Habitats Directive

Applicant

Peter Sweetman

Applicant

Refit Ii

Applicant