Ireland's An Bord Pleanala turns down 9-turbine wind plan

Ireland's An Bord Pleanala has refused permit for a nine-turbine wind farm in County Clare proposed by Irish firm Clare Coastal Wind Power Ltd.

The wind farm was to be located close to US billionaire Donald Trump's Doonbeg Golf Resort.

Planning permission was refused due to the impact of the project on the fresh water pearl mussels in the Doonbeg river, local media reported on Tuesday. The planning appeals board turned down the proposal only on that ground, in spite of the inspector in the case having recommended refusal on a number of concerns, the visual impact for the golf resort included.

The ruling means a four-year fight led by Trump against wind turbines in Doonbeg has now been concluded. Overall the wind farm plans have received 42 objections.

Clare Coastal Wind late last year filed an appeal to An Bord Pleanala against Clare Co Council's rejection of its application for the wind project.

In 2013, the board refused permission to a bigger proposal by the same company for a 45-turbine wind park at Doonbeg.

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