Turbine plan gets second wind

A PLAN to erect 46 giant wind turbines on the Kildare-Meath border is back in play following a High Court decision this week.

The proposed windfarm near Kells has been opposed by the equine industry and other local community groups. Their efforts were successful last June when An Bord Pleanala refused to grant planning permission for the project but now the High Court has ordered the planning authority to reconsider the matter.

Following an appeal by Element Power, the High Court ruled that An Bord Pleanala exceeded its powers by taking irrelevant considerations into account when turning down the plans.

When announcing its decision last June, the planning authority said that a wind farm of the scale, extent and height proposed would “visually dominate this populated rural area, would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity, and would interfere with the character of the landscape.”

However, they also said that the proposed windfarm was premature pending the implementation of a national wind energy strategy. It was this reasoning which was queried by Element Power who said it was too vague and unclear.

Gatsby hits Big Apple tonight

THE Grey Gatsby represents trainer Dermot Weld in tonight’s Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Park. Johnny Velazquez rides the six-year-old, who only beat one home in the Irish Champion Stakes on his most recent start. The Irish runner, on Lasix for the first time, is rated an 8/1 shot on the morning line for the 12-furlong event.

Directory deadline

THANK you to all who have returned details for The Irish Field Directory 2018. If you have not done so please return your forms immediately. If you have any queries or need forms please contact Margaret O’Connor on 01-4051178 or email directory@theirishfield.ie