Cllr. Kelly asked for clarification on Page 138 Volume 1 Policy NH 10.8 to preserve and protect sites of county geological importance from inappropriate development where there are designated sites or natural heritage areas and the inclusion of the Killeglan karst landscape on Map 7 of the Blue Book as an area designated favourable for wind development bearing in mind that Killeglan springs is the source of the South Roscommon Water Supply.

In reply Mr. Pio Byrnes confirmed that this is a Strategic map but does not automatically confer planning and all applications have to go through a site specific procedure through development planning. It is correct that there is a policy to protect and preserve sites of geological importance from all development and not just renewable energy sources.

There followed a lengthy debate on renewable energy sources

·        There is a contradiction in including Killeglan as a natural heritage area to be protected and its inclusion as an area designated favourable for wind development

·        As Killeglan is the source of the SRRWSS, it should be protected at all costs

·        There are alternative sources of renewable energy to windfarms, solar, biofuel etc.  and these should be explored in more detail

·        Wind energy is acceptable but should only be at sea.

·        If planning permission is given for wind turbines it may affect turloughs.

·        Wind turbines are now of the order of 180 – 200m high.

·        What will happen to obsolete turbines?

·        The Wind turbine guidelines need to be updated and should have a set-back distance of a minimum of 10 times the height and 1.5kn from schools

·        Looking at the maps, one quarter of the county of Roscommon is designated “most favourable” for wind power.

·        We need to protect the communities we serve i.e. security of energy and have faith in the planning system to deliver where appropriate.

·        Sustainable energy communities is the way forward and there will be 50 designated by 2030.

In response to the proposals the Director of Services stated that the maps are prepared on the methodology that is prescribed to be adopted. There will be no automatic right to planning in the “mist favourable” areas. One of the ten national strategic outcomes identified in the NPF is transition to low carbon and a climate resilient society and Roscommon County Council is obliged to set a policy framework to deliver these strategic outcomes and this is reflected in the Renewable Energy Strategy in the Draft Plan. As per Government Directions we have to provide clarity on how we will achieve our targets through renewable energy strategies of biomass, solar farms and wind energy.

Elected Members should note that if the maps are amended under resolution today, a direction under S31 of the P&D Act can be expected from the OPR instructing any items at variance with national policy and ministerial order be rectified.

It was confirmed by the Senior Planner that a developer of a windfarm can look for planning permission directly from An Bord Pleanála if it is considered strategic infrastructure.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED that map 7 in the Renewable Energy Strategy is reviewed to change the Killeglan Geological area of Dysart/Taughmaconnell from most favourable for wind energy to not favourable based on its unique karst landscape and importance in relation to water supply for South Roscommon.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED That wind turbine developments should only be considered at a minimum distance of 10 times the height of the turbine from residences, schools etc. 

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED that the Draft County Development Plan should be amended to not permit Bio mass and bio energy developments within 1.5 km of residences.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Waldron

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to the Minister of Environment to request an expedition of new windfarm guidelines