Planning permission for wind farm operator's disputed 80 metre mast in Laois appealed

The decision to grant permission to the operation of an 80 metre meteorological mast on Cullahill Mountain in County Laois for a five year period has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Earlier this month, Laois County Council granted permission to Cullahill Wind Farm Limited for the continued use of the mast which was in installed in March of last year at Gorteennahilla. 

The purpose of the 80 metre mast is to explore the suitability for a potential wind farm at the location.

Cullahill Wind Farm Limited stated in their planning application that the mast must operate for a period of 5 years in order to accurately record and predict long-term meteorological conditions and to ensure the optimal technical operation of any potential development.

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 has now been appealed by Save Our Mountain CLG following a significant number of objections to the planning application. Well over 120 objections were lodged against it.

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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. 

They believe even the operation of the mast alone poses such risks. Objectors also stated that the mast and future wind turbines would "devalue property, disrupt farming, and threaten local businesses."

Other concerns were raised such as that the mast was "unlawfully" erected without undergoing proper planning procedures. 

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 has been described as a "nuisance and disruption to local residents."

An Coimisiún Pleanála will make a decision on the appeal by June 23, 2026.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme