Courts / Longford / Report
Developer concerned about delays to €60m wind farm project
Summary
Two High Court challenges against An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for the Coole Windfarm have been admitted to the fast-track commercial court list. The actions, brought by the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group and environmental campaigner Peter Sweetman, seek to quash the board's March decision to allow a 13-turbine development on peatlands near Coole, Co Westmeath. The applicants allege the decision is inconsistent with EU directives on Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessments. Permission for judicial review was granted last May. On Monday, Mr Justice Robert Haughton admitted both cases to the commercial list, an application made by developer Coole Windfarm Ltd and not opposed. The developer expressed concern over delays to the €60m project, arguing that expeditious handling is necessary to meet 2020 EU emission reduction commitments and avoid potential fines. Coole Windfarm claims it has already spent €2.3m and that the project will generate 75 construction jobs and save nearly two million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its 25-year life. Westmeath County Council and the developer are notice parties. The State intends to apply to be released from the residents' group's proceedings, claiming no cause of action is disclosed against it. The cases were adjourned to February and are expected to take between six to eight days to hear.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Developer concerned about delays to €60m wind farm project. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2019-07-08 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The cases, which were adjourned to February, are expected to take between six to eight days to hear.
Applicant
Outcome: The cases, which were adjourned to February, are expected to take between six to eight days to hear.
Applicant
Outcome: The cases, which were adjourned to February, are expected to take between six to eight days to hear.
Places mentioned
- Two High Court
- High Court
Topics
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