High Court challenge brought against planning permission extension for Mayo Windfarm

An environmental activist has initiated High Court proceedings challenging Mayo County Council's decision to extend planning permission for a twelve-turbine wind farm at Maheramore, Bekan, Claremorris. Peter Sweetman, represented by counsel Oisin Collins, contends that the council's April extension of permission granted to PWWP Developments Ltd should be quashed. His case centres on the assertion that no Environmental Impact Assessment or Appropriate Assessment were conducted when the original permission was granted in 2010, contrary to national and European legal requirements. The developers' extension application claimed such assessments had been completed as part of the initial process. The wind farm site lies proximate to the River Moy Special Area of Conservation. Mr Sweetman had submitted concerns to the council but his submission was returned on the basis that no provision existed in planning law for such representations. Justice Seamus Noonan granted permission to bring the action on an ex-parte basis and adjourned proceedings to October.