Appeal against wind farm operator's disputed mast in Laois rejected

An Coimisiún Pleanála rejected the appeal against the development on Cullahill Mountain

Published 12th Jun 2026, 12:25 BST File Photo: Pixabay. An Coimisiún Pleanála rejected the appeal against the development on Cullahill Mountain Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted permission for the continued operation of an 80 metre meteorological mast on Cullahill Mountain in County Laois following an appeal by a local group.

In February, Laois County Council granted planning permission to Cullahill Wind Farm Limited for the continued use of the mast which was erected in March 2025 at Gorteennahilla.

Cullahill Wind Farm Limited submitted a planning application for the mast in August of last year. The purpose of the mast is to explore the suitability for a potential wind farm at that location.

The application sought permission for the continued use of the meteorological mast for a period of up to five years. According to Cullahill Wind Farm Limited, in order to accurately record and predict long-term meteorological conditions and to ensure the optimal technical operation of a potential wind energy development, a five year operational period is required.

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Although the Wind Energy Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2006 states that a period of 2 years is sufficient, Cullahill Wind Farm Limited justified their proposal for a 5 year period based on recent decisions by local authorities and An Bord Pleanála which allowed for such a timeframe.

The decision by Laois County Council was appealed by Save Our Mountain CLG following a significant number of objections to the planning application. In total, there were 128 objections.

A wide range of concerns were raised by locals living near the site in Gorteennahilla, particularly regarding the fact that it is essentially preparing for a potential wind farm development on Cullahill Mountain.

Many people argued that such a development would not be permitted by Laois County Council's Development Plan and if it were to go ahead, it would pose a serious threat to biodiversity, the local environment and tourism on the mountain.

Objectors also stated that the mast and future wind turbines would "devalue property, disrupt farming, and threaten local businesses."

The red light at the top of the mast which is legally required has also caused issues for people whose homes are within eyeline of it.

Generally, the mast was described as a "nuisance and disruption to local residents."

The appeal by Save Our Mountain CLG was supported by 115 signatures.

Despite local opposition, An Coimisiún Pleanála has given Cullahill Wind Farm Limited the go ahead to continue the operation of the mast for 3 and a half years, given that it has been functioning since March 2025.

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Addressing the concerns raised among the objections, An Coimisiún Pleanála said: “Having regard to the location of the proposed development within an upland, rural area, to the purpose of the development to measure local climate conditions, to the siting and design of the development together with its temporary nature, it is considered subject to compliance with the conditions set out.

“The proposed development would not seriously injure the visual amenities of the area including on any high amenity value views, would not seriously injure residential amenities of property in the area, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety, would not result in an adverse impact on biodiversity and would not be prejudicial to public health.”

Related topics: Laois County Council Planning permission Laois An Coimisiún Pleanála Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.