Wind farm refused planning amid concerns for eagle safety

An Coimisiún Pleanála has denied permission for an eight-turbine wind farm near Glenties in Co Donegal, citing threats to both the Golden eagle and the White-tailed eagle. This decision, upheld in December 2023, followed a High Court ruling that reinstated the case. The site, covering 46 hectares, is mostly open moorland with conifer plantations and is near a known breeding area for the White-tailed and Golden eagles.

Donegal County Council first refused planning permission in 2021, a decision later overturned by the commission after the High Court decision. The company sought a ten-year permission for the wind farm, with a 30-year operational life, and an underground grid connection. The commission expressed concerns over the site being a 'scenic amenity' and the potential for significant collision risks for the White-tailed eagle.

Inspection of the 134-page report revealed that the area is a known breeding territory for both eagle species. The report detailed three White-tailed eagle deaths from collisions at nearby wind farms in the previous year, with two of the deaths occurring within six kilometers of the proposed site. The commission questioned whether unsatellite-tagged eagles and smaller bird species, such as Merlins, might be underreported due to recording difficulties.

The commission also considered the small national population of only five breeding pairs of Golden eagles in Donegal, citing the need for scientific evidence. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage submission raised concerns about the site's suitability, a point the applicant contested. The applicant noted the lack of known White-tailed eagle breeding sites within a five to six-kilometer radius of the proposed site.

The applicant also suggested that large raptor species can coexist with wind farms and highlighted successful mitigation measures at Grousemount Wind Farm in Cork and Kerry. Despite the potential contribution of the wind farm, the commission emphasized the need for adequate scientific evidence to address the concerns about eagle safety.