Project Description

Advising the Irish Government | Maighne Wind Farm

Company Director Howard Fearn was contracted by An Bord Pleanála, the Irish Planning Inspectorate, to advise on a large scale wind farm application case located across Co Kildare and Co Meath.  The proposed development comprises 47 large wind turbines set in 5 geographically separated clusters. This unusual design and the scale of development led to complex questions regarding the impacts on local biodiversity, with possible concerns over peat bogs and river habitats, some of which are afforded full protection under EC Habitats and Birds Directives in addition to national legislation.

Howard’s role was to determine the adequacy of the application and subsequent addendums, to accurately assess the likely impacts on birds, bats, aquatic and terrestrial habitats and other ecological features present locally. On behalf of An Bord Pleanála, Howard completed a full independent analysis of the applicant’s submission documents, all subsequent regulator responses and third party representations.The efficacy of the proposed mitigation was also assessed, and Howard also completed a full Habitats Regulations Assessment, following Irish government guidelines. Howard’s final report provided a clear, transparent and legally robust assessment to assist An Bord Pleanála with their final decision on the application, which is yet to be announced.

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