Carlow councillors have ammended the Draft County Development Plan to discourage windfarm projects in upland areas like the Blackstairs.
Over 80 submissions from the elected members were debated at a special meeting yesterday (Friday) before the draft document was approved.
It will now go out for public consultation for ten weeks before it is adopted as policy for the next six years.
Cathaoirleach Fintan Phelan says the motion on wind energy was agreed by the councillors.
“We included wording [in the plan] that focuses particularly on upland areas, to try not to promote wind development in those areas. It’s generally not allowed, and now our County Development Plan reflects that” he told KCLR News.
This document for 2022-2028 marks the first time the development plan is going to be up online for locals to examine during the consultation period.
“For the first time ever, the Development Plan will be viewable through an online portal on our website. This innovative technology is something that I think is very important, and it’s equally important to try and engage people with that technology over the ten-week period.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Phelan is urging locals to get involved and have their say on the future of the county by making a submission.
“Around mid-July the plan will go on public display, and I would encourage anybody in Carlow to make a submission to this plan during that period. It will be advertised in print and social media throughout the public consultation.”
