Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty has this week welcomed confirmation from An Bord Pleanála that no appeal has been lodged with the board against the decision made by planning authorities last month to refuse to grant planning permission for proposals submitted by LIR Energy Ltd to construct a wind turbine at Gaoth Dobhair Industrial Estate.
Reacting to the news, Deputy Doherty said: “I very much welcome the confirmation received this week from An Bord Pleanála that no formal appeal has been lodged with the board against the earlier decision by local planning authorities to refuse planning permission for this development, which had sought to erect an 85m hub height wind turbine on the grounds of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Industrial Estate here in Gaoth Dobhair.
“The final deadline for appealing the decision was last Wednesday 8th February and, since no formal appeal was received by the board within the strict statutory time frame, this specific planning application can no longer being considered.
“As I said previously, the original decision by the planning authorities to refuse to grant permission for these plans was the correct one in my view, and I am very pleased that no appeal against that decision has been submitted.
“Throughout the planning process, and ever since the news of these plans were first brought to light, there was a considerable amount of opposition to the proposals and I think it’s highly important to recognise the tireless efforts of the local community in working together to make their objections against the plans known.
“It was a great priviledge to have the opportunity to work closely alongside local residents and, together with my party colleagues Cllr John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh and Cllr Marie-Therese Gallagher, to assist them with making their observations to the planning authorities.
“This week’s confirmation that this application is no longer live will come as a huge relief to the local community here in Gaoth Dobhair who must be fully commended and praised for this outcome.”
