Offaly County Council to oppose Ballincor Wind Farm plans

Offaly County Council is set oppose the proposed Ballincor Wind Farm in South Offaly, with a report being submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála outlining a range of planning, environmental and policy concerns.

The issue was discussed at the July meeting of Offaly County Council, following the submission of a new planning application, direct to An Coimisiún Pleanála, for the development in May by applicants RWE Renewable Irelands Ltd.

The proposed development consists of 11 wind turbines, a 110kV electrical substation compound and a grid connection to the existing Dallow substation. The developers are seeking a 10-year planning permission to construct the wind farm, which would have an operational lifespan of 35 years.

Part of the site for the proposed windfarm is between Sharavogue, Shinrone and Carrig in the very south of the county.

The site spans the townlands of Cloonaheen, Ballincor Demesne and Curralanty in County Offaly, as well as Clonfree, Castletown and Cronehill in County Tipperary. The development is expected to generate between 61.6 and 77 megawatts of electricity.

Under planning legislation, as a strategic infrastructure development an application for permission for the windfarm can be made direct to the planning commission, bypassing the local authority stage. Local authorities are requested to submit a report to the planning commission as part of its adjudication.

Senior Planner James Condron told councillors that nine of the proposed turbines would be located in Offaly, while two turbines, along with most of the grid connection and associated infrastructure, would be situated in Tipperary.

Mr Condron said neither the Offaly nor Tipperary Wind Energy Strategies supports the proposed development.

Opening the discussion, Cllr Peter Ormond said Offaly had been at the forefront of renewable energy development in Ireland, but argued that the proposed location was fundamentally unsuitable.

He said the development was proposed on an active floodplain with connections to the Little Brosna River and would be located approximately 10 metres from Sharavogue Bog.

“This environmental degradation is not a price that should be paid,” he said, adding that the proposal was fundamentally at odds with the county’s planning policies.

Cllr Ormond also acknowledged the efforts of local residents, saying members of the community had balanced full-time employment while examining extensive planning documentation before preparing submissions within a limited timeframe.

He noted that the site is explicitly designated as unsuitable for wind energy development under the county's Wind Energy Strategy.

Among the concerns outlined by Cllr Ormond were what he described as a "lack of evidence-based conclusions" relating to habitats and compliance with the Water Framework Directive, structural concerns with the proposal, an understated environmental baseline across multiple fronts, and noise assessments which he said failed to adequately consider World Health Organisation guidance.

He also highlighted concerns that turbines one, two, eight and nine are proposed within a floodplain.

Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy said she had attended several public meetings and listened to residents’ concerns throughout the planning process.

She said the plans showed “total disrespect” to disregard the County Development Plan, and expressed concerns about shadow flicker, turbine noise, and their potential impact on residents’ quality of life.

"There is a real fear that the construction of turbines could increase flooding on agricultural lands," she added.

Cllr Hennessy Kennedy further noted the proximity of a nearby stud farm, located approximately one kilometre from the proposed development.

“We have to be clear, as a county, we’ve done our bit. It’s not about opposing renewable energy but about upholding our County Development Plan,” Cllr Eleanor Clendennen said.

Cllr John Leahy supported Cllr Ormond’s position, arguing that the proposal amounted to “steamrolling” the County Development Plan.

He said the council needed a broader discussion on renewable energy policy, adding that Offaly had already contributed significantly towards national renewable energy targets.

“We’re doing our part,” he said, while also referring to the distress experienced by local residents over the proposal.

“I’m twice as worried now because they’re targeting areas that are not designated for wind energy,” said Cllr Claire Murray Smale.

Council officials also warned that approving the development despite its apparent conflict with the County Development Plan would "set a precedent".

In its submission, Offaly County Council is requesting that An Coimisiún Pleanála refuse permission for the proposed Ballincor Wind Farm.

A decision on the application is expected from An Coimisiún Pleanála by June 1, 2027.