Decision due on Moanvane wind farm

A decision is due later this month on a planning application for a proposed wind farm in the Moanvane area of north Offaly.
Moanvane Wind Farm Limited is seeking 10-year permission to build 12 turbines on land between Cloneygowan and Portarlington, which would have a tip height of almost 170 metres each.
The development also includes plans for an amenity trail, parking, recreational facilities and an electrical substation.
The application was submitted to Offaly County Council last September and in October the council requested further information.
This information has been submitted and a decision is due to be made on April 23 next.
More than 200 third party submissions have been lodged in relation to the development.
Among the issues raised are potential property devaluation, noise level and infrasound, landscape and visual aspect and concerns over saturation of the area with industrial turbines.
One of the objections stated that there are currently 28 industrial turbines at 156 metres tall in Mountlucas; Cloncreen has received planning for 21 industrial turbines at 170 metres tall, while Yellow River in Rhode has been approved 32 industrial turbines at 166 metres tall.