We, the 6 councillors in South Roscommon, strongly feel that the proposed wind farm development at Cornafulla is not in keeping with the County Development Plan and its associated strategies. We propose that any planning bodies involved with the process are made aware of the sensitivities of the area and give a detailed outline of acknowledging these in their decision-making.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan welcomed those in the public gallery including Martin Daly TD and friends of Clonmacnoise, Cornafulla and Shannon Callows.

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Connolly, Cllr. Duffy, Cllr. Fallon, Cllr. Kelly, Cllr. Keogh & Cllr. Ward

We, the 6 councillors in South Roscommon, strongly feel that the proposed wind farm development at Cornafulla is not in keeping with the County Development Plan and its associated strategies. We propose that any planning bodies involved with the process are made aware of the sensitivities of the area and give a detailed outline of acknowledging these in their decision-making.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The Planning Authority has not, to date, had any approach from prospective applicants in relation to the development described in this Notice of Motion.

The process provides that the applicant must seek determination from An Coimisiún Pleanála as to whether the proposed constitutes a SID.

In the event of a proposal of the nature referenced being the subject of a planning application submitted to Roscommon County Council as Planning Authority, a comprehensive assessment will, as always, be undertaken, including identification of all relevant designations etc. with the assessment and conclusions reached being detailed in a Planning Report and a decision on the application being made as part of the executive functions of Roscommon County Council.  

In the event of a development of the nature referenced constituting a Strategic Infrastructure Development, a planning application would be made directly to An Comisiún Pleanála.  In such an instance, Roscommon County Council, as a prescribed body, would be consulted and under Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000 would be required “to prepare and submit to the Board a report setting out the views of the authority on the effects of the proposed development on the environment and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the authority.” The Chief Executive is required, prior to the submission of a report to An Comisiún Pleanála, to submit the report to Members of the Authority in order to seek their views on the development proposal. In the event that Members decide, by resolution, to attach further recommendations to the report, irrespective of the recommendation of the Chief Executive, those recommendations would be attached to the Chief Executive’s Report for overall submission to An Comisiún Pleanála.

Cllr. Connolly introduced the motion, describing it as an appeal for all planning bodies involved in the proposed windfarm development to recognise the sensitivities of the area. He stated that the proposal is not in keeping with the County Development Plan (CDP). While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy for climate action, he emphasised that the location is a distinctive mid?Shannon landscape, close to the Shannon floodplains, the Shannon Callows and Clonmacnoise. He noted that the CDP highlights the need to balance environmental protection, heritage and community wellbeing, and that the nearby Athlone area is entering a significant phase of development under Ballymore’s masterplan. He stressed the environmental value of Cornafulla Bog within this wider landscape.

Cllr. Duffy highlighted that Cornafulla Bog has been undergoing natural ecological restoration since peat extraction ceased in 2020, with stabilising groundwater, re?emerging wetlands, fen habitats and open water increasing biodiversity. She noted that rewetted peatlands act as major natural carbon stores, recognised internationally, and that the CDP acknowledges the significance of these peat depths. She stated that while renewable energy is necessary, it should not be located in a recovering ecosystem of growing ecological value.

Cllr. Fallon stated that he supports wind energy in principle but believes this location is unsuitable, citing the proximity and significance of the Clonmacnoise monastic site—one of Ireland’s top visitor destinations, dating back to 544 AD.

Cllr. Kelly stressed that large?scale developments have significant impacts on communities, noting that Cornafulla is surrounded by long?established settlements. She raised concerns regarding noise, traffic, lighting, and the impact on landscape character and quality of life and emphasised the importance of retaining rural populations.

Cllr. Keogh stated his strong support for renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, but noted that the area is clearly identified in the CDP as unsuitable for wind development due to ecological sensitivity, landscape character, and proximity to key heritage and environmental features. He emphasised that Ireland’s planning system is plan-led, and the CDP is a statutory framework adopted by elected members.

Cllr. Ward highlighted that the Middle Shannon Callows is one of Europe’s most important floodplains and is designated both a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. He referred to the wildlife dependent on the wetlands—including the whooper swan, otter, golden plover and teal—and noted the callows' key role in water regulation during flooding. He expressed support only for offshore wind, citing concerns about the depopulation and devaluation effects of onshore turbines.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

              SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

It was AGREED to support the motion.