Clare plan to ban wind farms from parts of Atlantic coast and Burren

Clare County Council is proposing that parts of the Atlantic coast, including Loop Head and areas around the Burren, be declared "no-go" areas for wind farm development.

In a report on submissions to the new Clare County Development Plan currently being prepared, the council is recommending that the unique landscape of the Burren and parts of the Atlantic coast be protected from wind farms.

Making his recommendation, senior executive planner Mr Graham Webb says the designation of these landscapes as no-go areas "would be to respect their unique landscape quality, and the traditional pattern of rural community life in those areas".

Over a third of the 95 submissions made by the public in respect of the draft plan concern wind energy. While the council is prohibiting wind farm development in certain parts of Co Clare, it is proposing a material alteration to the plan recommending that the target for wind farm energy in Clare by 2010 be increased from 20mw to 50mw.

Mr Webb said: "It is hoped that in 2009, when the development plan is being reviewed, that more ambitious targets and further areas identified as being suitable for wind farm development can be put forward."

The council has also zoned lands designated as preferred areas for wind farms. One of these areas is near the west Clare village of Kilmihil, where over 50 wind turbines have secured planning though no work has commenced on any of the projects.

To date, 15 applications have been lodged with the council, with six wind farm developments securing planning.