This article is from page 4 of the 2014-04-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
A PROPOSAL to construct nine on-shore windfarms on a site just 2km from Doonbeg village has been overturned.
The plans, which were originally lodged by Clare Coastal Wind Power Limited on February 2 this year, were catapulted into the public spotlight three week later when billionaire American businessman, Donald Trump purchased the nearby Doonbeg Golf Course.
Trump, who has been involved in ongoing disputes with authorities in Scotland over windfarms being built close to his golfing interests, voiced his concerns against he proposed development.
According to Tony Lowes, Director of Friends of the Irish Environment, the billionaire host of The Apprentice television programme was “active” in opposing the development.
“Mr Trump was very active – he called me up and said they were opposed to the windfarm and noticed the work we had done,” said Mr Lowes.
Following the decision to deny planning for the development last week Mr Trump send a tweet to Scot- tish First Minister, Alex Salmond.
“Ireland just ended the bird killing wind farm near my great resort on the Atlantic Ocean. The reason, would hurt tourism!” he tweeted to Mr Salmond.
However, according to planning files associated with the planning permission, the project was halted on a technicality involving getting land owners’ signatures. According to a letter from planners at Clare County Council to Clare Coastal Wind Power, the planning permission was invalidated because the application contained a list of the local landowners whose land would be used for the development – but not each landowners signature, as required.
The Trump Organisation has stated its delight that the plans for the windfarm have been withdrawn.
“We are very pleased that the application has been withdrawn and alongside the local residents we will continue to monitor the situation and if necessary lodge a further objection,” said Executive Vice-president of Trump International, George Sorial.
It is not yet clear whether Clare Coastal Wind Power will re-submit their application in the future.