Wind farm action admitted to Strategic Planning list

A High Court challenge brought by Coolberrin Wind Farm Ltd against An Bord Pleanála's refusal of planning permission for a grid connector in County Monaghan has been admitted to the Strategic Infrastructure Development and Commercial Planning list. The subsidiary of Energia Group sought to link a proposed seven-turbine wind farm to the national power network. Monaghan County Council granted permission for the connector, but An Bord Pleanála refused it following an appeal by An Taisce, citing insufficient environmental information regarding impacts on Curlew and Hen Harrier populations. The developer contends the connector is essential to the project's viability. Coolberrin seeks to quash the board's decision and obtain declarations that it erred in law and applied incorrect legal tests. An Taisce and Monaghan County Council are notice parties. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys granted permission for the action to proceed and adjourned the matter to December.