Mayo wind farm proposal ordered to re-advertise after Gaeltacht notice blunder

An Coimisiún Pleanála has directed RWE Renewables Ireland Limited to re-advertise its Muingmore Wind Farm planning application, according to campaigners in Erris.

The applicant will need to re-apply corrected notices in both Irish and English, following a successful complaint by Rural West Environmentalists Limited.

New notices will appear in Tuesday's papers, June 17, and the closing date for observations has been extended to August 7.

The development vindicates complaints from the Erris Gaeltacht community that Irish-speaking residents had been given a shorter and inaccurate deadline in their own language.

The Irish Language Commissioner formally confirmed the notices were defective and lodged a complaint with An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Rural West Environmentalists said the outcome showed the community's voice had been heard.

In a statement the group said: “The fight is not over.”

Residents now have a fresh opportunity to submit observations before the August 7 deadline.

Submission clinics continue every Saturday at the Erris Coast Hotel.

Those wishing to participate can contact brian@errischamber.ie for details.