Plans for wind turbines of skycraper height in rural Kilkenny

Briskalagh Ltd intend to apply for permission for a period of ten years for development at a site situated in the townlands of: Acragar, Ballyconra, Ballycuddihy, Ballyroe, Ballyroe (Grace), Ballyroe (Maher), Baunaniska, Boherkyle, Briskalagh, Brittas, Clone, Coolnapisha, Curraghduff, Freshford, Freshford Lots, Graigueswood, Grange, Huntstown, Kilmanagh, Knockeenglass, Knockown, Moatpark, Monabrika, Monavadaroe, Moneenaun, Oldtown, Oldtownhill, Parksgrove, Picketstown, Rathealy, Sart, Sweethill, Tobernapeastia, Tullaroan and Upperwood Demesne in County Kilkenny. 

The development will consist of the provision of the following: 7 wind turbines with an overall turbine tip height of 185 metres; a rotor blade diameter of 163 metres; hub height of 103.5 metres, associated foundations and hard-standing areas.

A permanent 38kV substation compound is also planned (control building with welfare facilities, all associated electrical plant and apparatus, security fencing, underground cabling, storage containers, wastewater holding tank, site drainage and all ancillary works).

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The applicant will also seek perission for permanent underground electrical (38kV) and communications cabling to the existing Ballyragget 110kV substation in the townland of Moatpark (including joint bays, communication and earth sheath link chambers and all ancillary works along the route).

This cabling route is primarily located within the public road corridor which includes a protected structure (Kilkenny RPS Ref. C886).

Also part of the plans are: an underground electrical (33kV) and communications cabling connecting the wind turbines and meteorological mast to the on-site substation; three temporary construction compounds (including site offices and welfare facilities); a meteorological mast with a height of 30 metres; security fencing and associated foundation and hard-standing area; a new temporary site entrance on the L1009 and a new gated site entrance on the L5024.

The upgrade of existing site tracks/roads and provision of new site access roads, junctions and hardstand areas are also planned as well as: a borrow pit; spoil management; tree felling and hedgerow removal; biodiversity management and enhancement plan measures (including establishment of a riparian buffer and hedgerow enhancement); site drainage; operational stage site signage and all ancillary works and apparatus.

A thirty five-year operational life from the date of full commissioning of the wind turbines and subsequent decommissioning of the wind turbines is being sought.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) have been prepared in respect of the proposed development and will accompany the application.

The planning application, EIAR and NIS may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9am - 1pm and 2pm – 4pm Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the
application, EIAR or NIS may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

The application is currently awaiting validation from Kilkenny County Council.

Upon validation, and subject to further information not being required by the local authority upon review, a decision is expected by December 3, 2024.

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