High-energy wind farm planned

Plans are in train for a high-energy wind farm in the Devil's Bit area.

Buirios Ltd proposes to install nine wind turbines with a tip height of 185m and an estimated installed generating capacity of 63MW in the townlands of Borrisbeg, Eastwood, Ballycahill, Knockanroe, Clonmore, Graffin and Skehanagh.

Because the proposal has a wind energy output of over 50MW, it has been made directly to An Bord Pleanála as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID).

The application was also referred to Tipperary Co Council for input. Last month's meeting of the council heard recommendations were made in respect of a road safety audit, community benefit fund, and with regard to environmental impact.

Cllr Noel Coonan said there is some concern locally that the proposed infrastructure would be quite close to houses, roads and farms. There is also concern over potential damage to local roads, said Cllr Coonan, who also wanted to know who would be responsible for the distribution of levies to the local community.

Director of Services Sharon Kennedy said the Environmental Impact Report would address such issues as noise, setback from roads and mitigation measures. The development levies would go to the council for distribution as part of the Development Contribution Scheme.