An Bord Pleanála has cleared the way this week for phase one of the hugely controversial €80 million Seven Hills Wind farms in South Roscommon to progress to construction. ECOFACT ecologists prepared the Wintering Bird Surveys and Natura Impact Statement that secured this for developers Galetech Energy Developments.
“we have unparalleled experience in assessing the ecological impacts of wind farm developments”
We are delighted with this outcome which brings one of the most interesting projects which we have been involved with recently to a favourable conclusion. “Ending delays that have dogged the project for over two years, the planning appeals board announced a decision in recent days to approve the plans to erect 14 wind turbines in a number of townlands close to Dysart village and surrounding areas” according to the Westmeath Independent.
ECOFACT undertook extensive fieldwork to inform the ecological assessment. Surveys included an extended wintering bird survey, which included an assessment of regional movements of Whooper Swans and Greenland-White fronted geese throughout the entire South Roscommon area. ECOFACT prepared the Natura Impact Statement for Phase 1 (and Phase 2) of this project, and consulted extensively with the NPWS Birds Unit and other NPWS staff. We are delighted with this decision which is a showcase of our technical skills and illustrates the quality of our work.
“For a successful outcome in your wind farm planning application, choose Ireland’s leading ecology team”
One of the novel mitigation measures we proposed for this project was the DeTect MERLIN Avian Radar System. ECOFACT staff have already received detailed operational and technical training on use of the MERLIN Avian radar system for wind farm pre-construction surveys and for operational wind farms. We are currently working with DeTect and our clients to introduce the first of these avian radar systems in Ireland, which now looks like being at the Seven Hills Phase site. Further details on the systems can be found on the link www.detect-inc.com.
ECOFACT is Ireland’s largest independent ecological consultancy, and we have unparalleled experience in assessing the ecological impacts of wind farm developments. For a successful outcome in your wind farm planning application, choose Ireland’s leading ecology team.
Contact us now at +353 61 419477 to discuss your project requirements.
Like to see more photos: you can find our wintering bird survey 2012-2103 photo gallery here.
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