On the 24^th September 2019, An Bord Pleanála issued a request for Further Information (RFI) on the following:

1. The compatibility of the proposed windfarm project with the totality of relevant provisions set out in the Climate Action Plan 2019, relating to the harnessing of renewable energy and to the better management of peatlands and soils.
2. The complementarity (or otherwise) of the future use of all or part of the application site area which falls outside of the permanent windfarm footprint, for peatlands restoration/rehabilitation, including the potential for carbon sequestration, alongside the operational (including drainage) requirements of the proposed windfarm project.

A response to this RFI must be submitted to An Bord Pleanála no later than the 18^th November 2019. The project team is currently preparing a response to this RFI.

Oral Hearing
In accordance with section 134A (1) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, An Bord Pleanála has decided to hold an oral hearing in relation to the proposed development. The arrangements for the oral hearing are as follows:

Date: Wednesday 12th June, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.
Venue: The Longford Arms Hotel, Main Street, Longford Town, Co. Longford.

On 31st January 2019, Bord na Móna Powergen Ltd submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for the proposed Derryadd Wind Farm.

Detailed copies of the planning application, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement may be viewed at the following locations during public opening hours for a period of 8 weeks commencing on February 4th, 2019:

•  Lanesborough Library Main St, Lanesborough, Co. Longford, N39 XC85
•  Kenagh Co-op, Kenagh, Co. Longford, N39 V8X6

The application will also be available for inspection at the following location:

• Offices of Longford County Council, Great Water St. Longford.
• Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1.

To coincide with the submission of the planning application a dedicated planning website has been launched on the January 31st, 2019. The application may be viewed and downloaded from that website at the following link: www.derryaddwindfarmplanning.ie

A copy will also be available for viewing by appointment at Bord na Móna Mountdillon Works, Clonfower, Lanesborough, Longford N39 FV44. To view the planning application at this location please contact our Community Liaison Officer – James on 087-7087022 to arrange a suitable time.

Bord na Móna publish revised layout for proposed Derryadd Wind Farm. Amendments to the previous layout of the wind farm arose due to announcement by way of press release on the 13th of June 2017, by the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney T.D, and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten T.D., stating that they had developed a Preferred Draft Approach to wind energy development in Ireland. The revised layout reviewed setback distances, the height of the turbines and subsequently the number of turbines against the new draft criteria outlined in the Preferred Draft Approach.

The revised changes are:

1. The new layout consists of 24 turbines compared to the previous design of 28 turbines and initial design of 29 turbines. Representing a 17 percent reduction in turbines.

2. Bord na Móna Powergen intend to seek planning permission for turbines with a ground to blade tip height of up to 185 meters. Within this size envelope, various configurations of hub height, rotor diameter, and ground to blade tip height may be used. Should the project be consented the exact make and model of the turbine will be dictated by a competitive tender process, but it will not exceed a maximum tip height of 185 metres. The previous design incorporated ground to blade tip height of up to 170 meters. Representing a 9 percent increase in turbine height.

3. Setback Distance: The Preferred Draft Approach states that “A visual amenity setback of four times the turbine height between a wind turbine and the nearest residential property, subject to a mandatory minimum distance of 500 metres” should apply to wind energy developments. Due to a combination of constraints, the distance to the nearest house from a turbine on the proposed layout is 750 meters. This is in excess of 4 times turbine height setback (740 meters). The setback distance on the previous layout was 650 meters. Representing a 15 percent increase in setback distance.

Due to the announcement by way of press release on the 13th of June 2017, by the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney T.D, and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten T.D., stating that they have developed a Preferred Draft Approach to wind energy development in Ireland, Bord na Móna decided to delay the submission of the planning application for the proposed Derryadd Wind Farm. The Company considered the information made available within the press release as well as the subsequent “Information Note” issued as to how this draft approach might influence the planning application for the proposed Derryadd Wind Farm.

Based on the review of this information, the Company has decided to incorporate elements of these aspects into the design for the proposed wind farm at this stage and will revisit the wind farm design and layout. The revised layout will review the height of turbines, setback distances and the proposed location of the turbines against the new draft criteria outlined in the Preferred Draft Approach. It is envisaged that the Company will be a position to provide an update on a revised layout by the end of the year. The proposed substation locations and entrances will not change location.

Prior to the issue of the Preferred Draft Approach, the estimated planning application date for the development was the end of August 2017. It is now envisaged that the planning application date will now be delayed until April 2018.

Preferred Draft Approach to Wind Energy Development Guidelines

On the 13th of June 2017, the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney T.D, and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten T.D., issued a press release stating that they have developed a preferred draft approach to wind energy development in Ireland. The detail on the draft wind energy development guidelines outlined in the press release has yet to be issued by the Government. Therefore, in the interim, Bord na Móna is currently considering the information made available within the press release and how this draft approach might influence the proposed planning application of the Derryadd Wind Farm.  According to the press release issued the preferred draft approach has four key aspects which are:

The application of a more stringent noise limit. A visual amenity setback of four times the turbine height between a wind turbine and the nearest residential property, subject to a mandatory minimum distance of 500 metres. Elimination of shadow flicker. Introduction of new obligations in relation to engagement with local communities by wind farm developers

It is envisaged that the planning application date will now be delayed beyond the original target of August 2017. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments in this area.

Proposed substation location

Based on feedback received from the public that ground conditions would be unsuitable for the proposed substation on the south-west of Derryadd Bog detailed site investigation work was carried out. Based on these findings, the proposed location has been moved to the eastern side of the railway line in that area. Please download the map to see proposed location.

Revised Amenity Plan

The proposed amenity plan has been revised based on feedback from consultation with key stakeholders. The proposed plan now includes 21 km of cycleway standard infrastructure. Please download the amenity map to view the proposed plan.