Planning permission refused for 11-turbine wind farm in northeast Galway

Planning permission for a large scale 11-turbine wind farm in North East Galway has been refused over concerns about biodiversity, peatland and water quality.

Published 10th Oct 2026, 09:00 BST Iconic and map by RWE Planning permission for a large scale 11-turbine wind farm in North East Galway has been refused over concerns about biodiversity, peatland and water quality. An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) refused permission for the proposed Shancloon Wind Farm on lands near Kilconly and Caherlistrane - 12km west of Tuam and 8.5km north-east of Headford.

The development, proposed by RWE Renewables Ireland, would have involved 11 turbines standing approximately 180 metres high, with an estimated generating capacity of around 86MW.

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The application attracted 138 observer submissions, including representations from local residents, groups and elected representatives.

The proposal also faced organised opposition from the Shancloon Windfarm Action Group, which held public meetings and raised funds to support its campaign against the development.

The group raised concerns about the wind farm's scale and its potential impact on local residents, the environment and the surrounding farming community.

Renewed calls to reopen Derrybrien wind farm site “It is excellent news on a number of fronts,” Independent Ireland Cllr Shaun Cunniffe told the Connacht Tribune.

“I am delighted for the action group, which put so much work into the submissions, and countless hours.”

Cllr Cunniffe also praised the work of Chief Executive Liam Conneally through the Council's submission to ACP and said that the County Development Plan “played a huge role in this refusal”.

“Our wind energy strategy clearly showed it crossed into peatlands and this conflicted with our protective policies,” said Cllr Cunniffe.

“The Council put in a submission and our Chief Executive pointed out that all the Councillors were against it.

“It would rip up the bogs and affect groundwater. In his submission, he pointed out the conflicts with the County Development Plan.

“Our County Development Plan is protecting these areas. It is a limestone area and, with all of the groundwater paths, it could poison it.

“I am delighted. It is brilliant news. I am delighted that every Councillor stood with the people.”

Wildlife body the NPWS clarifies involvement in Merlin Woods biodiversity discussions Concern over delays to €6m Athenry town centre regeneration Cathaoirleach of the Tuam Municipal District, Cllr Mary Hoade (FF) said that she welcomed the decision.

“I attended many meetings where residents expressed serious concerns in relation to the impact on roads in the area, with extra traffic for construction,” she said to the Connacht Tribune.

She also noted the potential “impact on Lough Corrib” and the SACs in the area

In refusing permission, the Commission raised particular concerns about Cloonbar Bog.

A floating access road to one of the turbines was proposed along the outskirts of the bog, which the Commission said would “encroach into uncut raised bog” and disrupt groundwater flows.

It noted that active raised bog is a “priority habitat” under the EU Habitats Directive.

The Commission said there was not enough information to determine how the development could affect Cloonbar Bog and its ecology.

It ultimately said it was not satisfied that the proposed development would avoid a “significant loss of biodiversity”.

There were also concerns about groundwater and surface water in an area of karst geology.

I am delighted for the action group, which put so much work into the submissions, and countless hours

The Commission said there was not enough evidence to rule out adverse effects on protected sites, including Shrule Turlough Special Area of Conservation and Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation.

It also could not rule out harm to local rivers, lakes or groundwater.

The scale of the development and its proximity to homes also featured in the planning inspector's assessment.

The inspector's report identified 224 residential properties within two kilometres of the proposed turbines, including 49 within one kilometre.

The inspector also found that the turbines would have a negative visual impact on the surrounding area.

Concerns raised by observers included flooding and water quality, damage to peatland and wildlife, noise, shadow flicker and traffic.

Keep the Galway G’ campaigners make their voices heard at City Hall Along with the turbines, the project would have included almost 13.7 kilometres of new internal access tracks, upgrades to existing tracks and roads, a new 110kV electricity substation, grid connection infrastructure and a meteorological mast.

RWE also engaged with elected representatives about the Shancloon proposal during its development.

A lobbying return covering May to August 2025 lists six Tuam Municipal District councillors - Cllrs Donagh Mark Killilea (FF), Karey McHugh Farag (Ind), Andrew Reddington (FG), Shaun Cunniffe (Ind Ire), Ollie Turner (FG) and Mary Hoade (FF) - among the public representatives lobbied in relation to the project.

The return also lists a number of Galway TDs and MEPs and records that an email was sent to local councillors, TDs and MEPs advising them of a public consultation on the proposed development.

The Commission acknowledged that the wind farm would have had a positive long-term impact by generating renewable electricity and reducing carbon emissions.

However, it concluded that the environmental concerns were sufficient to refuse permission.

RWE had sought ten-year planning permission, with the wind farm intended to operate for 30 years.

They said the Shancloon Wind Farm would have “a number of enduring economic benefits for the local economy in Co. Galway” including employment opportunities during the construction and operation phases, payments into a Community Benefit Fund and annual rates to Galway County Council.

Meanwhile, Cllr Cunniffe has called on the Government to “get their act together” and publish long-awaited new guidelines on wind energy.

The current national guidelines for wind energy developments date from 2006, despite draft revised guidelines covering issues including turbine setbacks, noise, shadow flicker and community consultation being published in 2019.

“They have to come up with a new, up-to-date system,” he said.

“We have no way of knowing and everyone is fighting their own battle. They need to act quickly, and TDs and Ministers need to step up to the plate.”