West Cork community braced for legal challenge to windfarm

A High Court challenge is being considered by locals concerned at An Bord Pleanála's decision to greenlight a seven-turbine windfarm close to St Finbarr’s Oratory at Gougane Barra

Hotelier Neil Lucey with local residents Tim Twomey and Paul Lynch at Gougane Barra in Co Cork. They are concerned over a proposed new wind farm which will have wind turbines standing 178.5m tall. Picture: Dan Linehan

A small rural community is braced for a legal challenge costing up to €100,000 over an “appalling” decision granting planning permission for a windfarm near Gougane Barra.

An Bord Pleanála last month overturned Cork County Council’s planning refusal for Wingleaf Ltd to build a seven-turbine windfarm at Curraglass, less than 3km from Gougane’s St Finbarr’s Oratory, against the recommendation of its own planning inspector.