Plans for a 15-turbine wind farm in the foothills of the Ox Mountains on the Mayo-Sligo border have been rejected by An Bord Pleanála on the grounds that it would pose a "highly obtrusive" development in a sensitive landscape.
The planning appeals board has upheld a decision of Mayo County Council at the end of January refusing permission for the project to Martin, Joseph and Michael Loftus at Carrowleagh, Bonninconlon, Ballina.
There is a 10-turbine wind farm at King's Mountain, south of Templeboy, Co Sligo, that is visible from the appeal site. An Bord Pleanála, under appeal, recently granted permission for a 13-turbine wind farm development at Crowagh mountain, west of King's mountain.
In his report, the board's inspector, Mr Kevin Moore, says the northern foothills of the Ox Mountains are clearly under threat from wind-farm development.
The impact of the proposed wind farm would run contrary to the objective of the planning authority, as set out in the Mayo Development Plan, to recognise and facilitate development in a manner that had regard to the character and sensitivity of the landscape.