Controversial Longford wind turbine plan referred to An Bord Pleanála

A renewable energy project approved by Longford County Council has been referred to An Bord Pleanála for consideration.

Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd (Natural Forces) were approved permission by Longford County Council to construct one Enercon E138 Wind Energy Converter on an 81m tower with an electrical rating of 4.2MW and an overall tip height of 149.38m at Lissanore, Longford on June 13 last.

When the initial application was assessed by the local authority local residents of Lissanore, located between Edgeworthstown and Lisryan, made submissions expressing ‘huge concern’ about the proposal.

The objectors said they were unhappy with the ‘excessive height’ at 149.38m of the proposed wind turbine and the impact it will have visually and on property prices. They cited ‘adverse health effects’, ‘noise pollution’ and ‘shadow flicker’ as concerns.

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Other concerned residents say the ‘massive’ wind turbine would be significantly higher than the Dublin Spire which is 120 metres high and queried the impact on local wildlife.

The proposed development will also entail the installation of the hard standing area for the Wind Energy Converter and the installation of underground circuit cables which will run in underground cable trenches (c.1.2m deep), from the proposed Wind Energy Converter to the proposed substation building on the site.

On its website, Natural Forces describes itself as “a private independent power producer that delivers renewable energy projects in partnership with local communities across Canada and Ireland”.

Longford County Council planners granted the permission subject to 16 conditions.

The approval covered the installation of the hardstanding area for the Wind Energy Converter. Installation of underground circuit cables which will run in underground cable trenches from the proposed Wind Energy Converter to the proposed substation building on the site.

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Local homeowners living in one of Longford's most densely populated towns have slammed as “utterly shocking” a local authority decision to grant planning for a near 150m high wind turbine.

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The construction of the proposed substation building which will be located 98m from the proposed wind turbine and surrounded by stock proof fencing. It will be a single storey building.

Construction of proposed internal site access track, constructed from permeable material and which will run from the site entrance to the Wind Energy Converter hardstanding area. All associated ancillary infrastructure and preparatory works such as provision of the site entrance Lissanore, Longford.

The Longford local authority were informed by An Bord Pleanála that the matter was referred to them last week.