Doubts have been expressed about the suitability of a 45-turbine wind farm planned for West Clare.
The developers of the project claim it could become a major tourism attraction, but planning department of Clare County Council have told local representatives of their concerns for the project.
Clare Coastal Wind Power has applied for permission to develop the 45 turbine wind farm over 371ha in and around Shragh, Doonbeg – if the project gets the go ahead, then it would also include a viewing tower which, it’s claimed, could boost tourism locally.
However, there are now question marks over the project after the executive of Clare County Council outlined a number of issues with the planned development.
While acknowledging that the development would help achieve the council’s target for renewables, the report expresses ‘concern with the scale of the proposal’, with it’s possible ecological impact, and also states that a more suitable site could be found.
The matter will be discussed by Councillors at their monthly meeting later today.
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