Courts / Kildare / Report

Challenge against €70m wind farm admitted to fast-track list

Summary

In February 2021, a judicial review challenge against An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for a €70m, 12‑turbine wind farm in County Kildare was admitted to the fast‑track commercial court list. The challenge, brought by Ms Lorraine Quinn of Drohid, Carbury, and the environmental NGO Eco Advocacy CLG, argued that the board's decision was flawed because it did not comply with the Wind Energy Guidelines of the 2000 Planning and Development Act and failed to conduct an appropriate EU‑directive‑compliant assessment. They also contended that the impact of a nearby solar power project was not considered and raised concerns about noise levels from the turbines. The developer, North Kildare Wind Farm Group, sought fast‑track admission to avoid delays that could harm the project's commercial viability, noting that the wind farm would cost €70m to build, connect to the national grid, and create about 160 jobs over an 18‑month construction period.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Challenge against €70m wind farm admitted to fast-track list. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• September 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-02-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report