Planning permission for a 14-turbine wind farm between two villages in Cork and Kerry has been quashed by the High Court over its potential impact on the hen harrier. Silverbirch and Kerry Co Council, which had refused planning permission, were notice parties in the case. The committee claimed, among other things, there had been a failure to carry out an appropriate assessment or environmental impact assessment in accordance with national and European law. Concerns were also raised over the impact of the development on the hen harrier and freshwater pearl mussel due to effects on water quality of the River Blackwater which is near the site. He quashed the decision and will hear later from the parties as to whether it should be sent back to the board for reconsideration.

Source: Irish Examiner December 20, 2019 16:07 UTC