Planning authority to reconsider wind farms in Roscommon

An Bord Pleanála is to reconsider applications for two wind farm developments in Co Roscommon.

Earlier this year, the High Court overturned the board's decision to grant permission for the two projects and it has now directed a reassessment along with certain guidelines.

Last September, An Bord Pleanála gave the go-ahead to Gaeltech Energy Developments to erect 35 wind turbines in Co Roscommon.

Expert reports had found the developments posed a significant risk to the habitats and groundwater systems.

Eamon Kelly, from Dysart, a member of the Wind Turbine Action Group, initiated legal proceedings and managed to secure a court order in July quashing An Bord Pleanála's permission for the projects.

Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan found that the board had failed to carry out an appropriate assessment of the plans in accordance with the Habitats Directive.

She has now remitted the planning appeals back to the board for determination with directions that it carries out its obligations under the directive but only after interested parties get a chance to make fresh submissions.