Courts / Donegal / Report

Donegal wind farm works successfully challenged by environmentalist

Date
2015-12-01

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Donegal

County
Donegal

Summary

Environmental activist Peter Sweetman has successfully challenged Donegal County Council's decision to permit construction works at wind farm sites during April to July. Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns quashed the council's December 2014 decision at the High Court on Tuesday, ruling in favour of Mr Sweetman's application. The decision concerned proposed extensions at Meenadeen and Croaghnameal wind farm sites. Mr Sweetman argued the council lacked jurisdiction to amend conditions originally imposed by An Bord Pleanála in 2006, which restricted summer construction to protect natural and visual amenities. He contended the council failed to provide reasons for its decision and did not carry out required environmental impact assessments before granting permission. Windgeneration Ireland Ltd, which had sought the permission to conduct summer works, was a notice party to proceedings. The council consented to the order being made.