Large-scale onshore windfarms are facing increased turbulence on both sides of the border in Ireland.

The Irish Republic’s equivalent of the Planning Inspectorate, An Bord Pleanála (ABP), has refused planning permission for what would have been Ireland’s biggest ever windfarm, a proposal for up to
49 turbines in a prominent upland area of County Donegal close to the border with Northern Ireland.

The 105MW project was proposed by Cork-based Planree Ltd, which had suggested the scheme could be scaled back and involve 11 fewer turbines.