THE PLANNING PROCESS
Wind power has a light footprint. Its operation does not produce harmful emissions or any hazardous waste. It does not deplete natural resources, nor does it cause environmental damage through resource extraction, transport and waste management.
The site at Barr Cregg was chosen following a detailed analysis, taking the following into consideration:
- Strong winds - turbines must be situated where the wind blows;
- Planning policy - avoidance of significant affects on areas designated locally, nationally or internationally for landscape, historical, architectural, nature conservation or archaeological interest;
- Appropriate distance from dwellings, roads and other infrastructure;
- Suitability of ground conditions for construction;
- Avoidance of electromagnetic communication systems (e.g. microwave links).
Having met the above criteria, in agreement with the landowners, detailed environmental surveys commenced to further investigate the potential of the Barr Cregg site for a wind farm, and to help shape the eventual layout and design.
As part of a planning application we are required to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (or EIA) which was submitted with the Environmental Statement to The Department of the Environment in August 2012. Within an EIA, the potential impacts and effects of a development on human beings, visual impacts, noise, fauna and flora; soil, water, air, climate, and the landscape; material assets and the cultural heritage; and the interaction between these factors, are examined and their significance assessed. Where necessary, mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce potential impacts are identified.
RES also works closely with conservation and wildlife groups to ensure that new developments are sympathetic to existing habitats. Extensive efforts are made to avoid putting up wind farms in areas which might impact on birds or bats, such as migration routes.
The effects of the project are assessed both individually and cumulatively with other existing and proposed wind farms in the surrounding area.
As a result of the constraints and information gathered through the investigation process, the layout and size of the proposed Barr Cregg Wind Farm changed several times in order to find a design that maximises energy generation while minimising environmental impacts.
The reports of these assessments were compiled and were included in the Environmental Statement, which accompanied the planning application. The planning application for the wind farm was submitted to Planning Service Headquarters in August 2012, along with the Environmental Statement.