Courts / Ireland / Report
Environmentalist challenges wind farm extension
Summary
Peter Sweetman, an environmentalist, has taken legal action against An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for an extension of a wind farm at Boolynagleragh, Co Clare. The extension would add seven turbines to an existing nine‑turbine development that received permission in 2010. Sweetman argues the board's decision was "unreasoned and unreasonable" and contrary to law, claiming no proper assessment of natural habitats and wildlife was conducted. He also contends that the Clare County Council had previously rejected the extension due to environmental concerns. The case was transferred to the fast‑track Commercial Court list by Mr Justice Brian McGovern after Sweetman secured a High Court order to proceed in August. ESB Wind Development Ltd, the developer, seeks the transfer to expedite construction milestones tied to a state subsidy scheme, while also noting the project's projected €67 million capital cost and €4.6 million spent to date.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Environmentalist challenges wind farm extension. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- June 13th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-10-24 Publication
Why: It sought the transfer because of the "very short timelines" in which the proposed wind farm extension "must achieve certain construction and other milestones". CNI source report
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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