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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560400 - Submission - Finatan MorganFintan Morgan Cladowen Newbliss Co. Monaghan Planning Department Monaghan County Council County Offices 1 Dublin Street Monaghan, Co. Monaghan Subject: Formal Objection the Further Information in regards to the Proposed Wind Turbine Development at Carneys Island & Altartate, Clones Planning Reference Number: 2560400 To Whom it May Concern I have reviewed the applicant's Further Information submission and Appendix B response to my original objection. While additional information has been provided, I remain concerned that a number of impacts have not been avoided and instead rely on future monitoring, turbine shutdown systems and operational controls. 1. Shadow Flicker The applicant acknowledges that a number of receptors would exceed the relevant shadow - flicker thresholds in the absence of mitigation and relies upon an automated shadow -flicker control system to ensure compliance. The original shadow -flicker assessment also required correction due to mapping and house -labelling errors. The acceptability of the development therefore depends upon the correct operation and maintenance of a future shutdown system for the life of the turbine. 2. Noise The applicant now predicts a noise level of approximately 33.5 dBA at my property. However, this conclusion remains dependent upon modelling assumptions rather than site - specific baseline monitoring. The response does not establish a robust independent post - commissioning verification process. 3. Visual Impact The applicant accepts that the turbine introduces a prominent new vertical feature and increases the intensity of built development within the local landscape. The disagreement therefore concerns the significance and acceptability of that impact rather than whether the impact exists. 4. Ecology The updated information confirms high bat activity, including 4,888 recorded bat passes, together with future monitoring, blade feathering and potential operational curtailment. The bird mitigation strategy similarly relies on future monitoring, adaptive management and shutdown -on -demand procedures. 5. Appropriate Assessment The updated Screening Report for Appropriate Assessment expressly acknowledges a hydrological pathway between the development site and Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs SAC via the Finn River catchment. Despite acknowledging this pathway, the applicant concludes that a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is unnecessary. I remain unconvinced that likely significant effects have been excluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt. 6. Flooding and Drainage Although a Flood Risk Assessment has now been submitted, the development still includes floodplain access works, watercourse crossing infrastructure and long-term drainage controls that rely upon modelling assumptions and future maintenance. 7. Aviation Lighting The proposal remains dependent on continuously operating obstacle lighting for aviation safety. The effect of that lighting on rural amenity should not be dismissed simply because it forms part of a safety requirement. 8. Community Engagement The applicant relies on a website and Community Liaison Officer arrangements. It remains unclear what direct engagement occurred with potentially affected residents and how community feedback influenced the final design. 9. Alternatives The response does not provide meaningful evidence regarding alternative sites or less constrained options. The Planning Authority is therefore left with limited information regarding whether environmental impacts were genuinely avoided through site selection. Conti us on The Further Information does not remove the core concerns raised in my original submission. The development remains dependent on future monitoring, future shutdown procedures, adaptive management and operational controls. I respectfully request that Monaghan County Council refuse planning permission. Yours sincerely, Fintan Morgan