Visual
A windfarm is visible from large distances, which is unavoidable due to the scale of the turbines. When evaluating the visual impact of a proposed windfarm, the key question is the degree of impact relative to the existing landscape. For Curraheen Windfarm, a Landscape Character Assessment has been carried out, as well as a Visual Impact Assessment.
Several protected ‘Views from Road' are identified in the South Tipperary County Development Plan. The impact of the proposed windfarm on these views has been assessed in detail.
Viewpoints of particular sensitivity have been identified in consultation with the Planning Authority, and Photomontages of the proposed turbines have been created from these points. They show realistic pictures of the as-built windfarm from these viewpoints. The photomontages can be seen by clicking on the links below.
The proposed Curraheen Windfarm will be very visible in the immediate vicinity of the site. However, the windfarm is not in a designated scenic area. We maintain that the degree of visual impact will be acceptable considering the undeniable environmental benefit the windfarm will create.
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