I ask our Senior Planner, Bernard Greene, could the further erection of wind turbines have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the outstanding natural beauty of North Leitrim and be in conflict with the Regional Policy Objective 5.3 of the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy of the NWRA and NPF which is considering North Leitrim as a potential National Park / Recreational Area and which this local authority supports.

"I ask our Senior Planner, Bernard Greene, could the further erection of wind turbines have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the outstanding natural beauty of North Leitrim and be in conflict with the Regional Policy Objective 5.3 of the Regional Spatial Economic Strategy of the NWRA and NPF which is considering North Leitrim as a potential National Park / Recreational Area and which this local authority supports."

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

"Any application seeking to develop a wind energy development in Co. Leitrim is assessed against the policy framework contained in the existing County Development Plan 2015-2021. This identifies and seeks to protect the special landscape character of areas within North Leitrim which have been designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Areas of High Visual Amenity (AHSI). Any proposed wind energy development must demonstrate through the preparation of a Landscape Character Impact Assessment submitted with a planning application that the proposed development does not adversely impact upon such designated areas or views and prospects identified for protection.

Further, as part of the review of the County Development Plan, the Planning Authority has undertaken a review of all landscape designations – Landscape Character Assessment, Designated Landscapes and Views / Prospects as such had effectively been readopted by successive County Development Plans. In addition, as part of the preparation of the draft Renewable Energy Strategy, we have undertaken a landscape capacity assessment to consider the future potential of all areas for large scale commercial wind energy developments where the requisite wind speed of 7.5 metres per second is available. These documents will be presented to the Members in the coming weeks. The potential impact therefore of such large-scale structures within the receiving landscape is of the utmost importance to the Planning Authority in the consideration of such applications.

With regard to the second part of the question which suggests that the presence of such structures within the landscape would be in conflict with the Regional Policy Objective as outlined, no definite opinion can be given at present. The reason for this view is that the project has not commenced to date so the parameters or scope of such a designation have not been identified and agreed. It is certainly not the belief of the Planning Authority that such a designation would necessarily seek to restrict development generally within such an area whilst accepting that the scale of turbines would have a more significant visual impact over a wider area that any other form of development."

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined his strong opposition to the placement of wind farms throughout North Leitrim located on top of hills/mountains and within forestry areas due to their impact on the visual landscape. Cllr Warnock stated that Ireland was a signatory and had ratified the Council of Europe’s European Landscape Convention which came into effect in 2004 and questioned whether Ireland was adhering to this Convention.

Cllr Mary Bohan stated that a mistake made in relation to the implementation of turbines was that they should have been installed out to sea. Cllr Bohan informed members that the report currently being compiled in relation to the Shass Landslide will also investigate whether wind turbines played a role in the cause of the landslide.

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that an intact landscape must be left to future generations.

Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion, and outlined that as technology improves the turbines increase dramatically in size. Cllr Gurn join Cllr Bohan’s statement that turbines should be located out to sea, and stated that no further wind turbines should be erected in County Leitrim.

Cllr Frank Dolan queried whether a provision could be added to the County Development Plan to stop the erecting of more turbines. Mary Quinn, Director of Services, informed members that documents in relation to the County Development Plan will be forwarded shortly to members, and the issue will be the subject of discussion with Members.

Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion, referring to the difficulties for local people in securing one off planning permission for housing and large scale wind farms being able to secure planning permission.

Cllr Justin Warnock outlined his concerns that even if restrictions are entered in the County Development Plan that they will not be successful in preventing further wind farms, and that wave energy should be explored due to its non-intrusive nature.