Posted: June 10th, 2015

Windfarm Simulation

Windfarm Simulation

In line with its long-term vision to be the country?s most innovative third level institution, UCD has decided to incorporate wind power generation into its Belfield campus development plan.

A small number of suitable turbines could be erected in a several location (either in groups or dispersed) around the campus:
? In the lake
? In the number 1 car park behind the O?Reilly Hall next to the Stillorgan Road entrance
? On the margins of sports pitches across campus
? In outlier areas such as UCD NOVA, Newstead, Richview etc.

Feasibility studies are still being conducted, but the early indications in relation to wind profile and the ability to service the project seem broadly favourable. UCD administration is therefore turning its attention to a potential planning application (or applications) and is seeking advice as to whether its proposals would require Environmental Impact Assessment. While in no way wishing to circumvent planning legislation, UCD?s poor financial circumstances mean that it would be keen to avoid the cost of producing an EIA if at all possible. On the other hand, it is rumoured that some college officials believes that if EIA were to be required it would be better to plan for a really large project making full use of any available apace on campus.

For phase three of this simulation, you should write a 1-2 page screening opinion advising UCD of its options, and encompassing:

? The type of windfarm proposal that would automatically require EIA
? The type of windfarm that would qualify for assessment as a Strategic Infrastructural Development
? The relevant planning control bodies in such cases
? In the case of a small sub-threshold proposal, advice on how best to establish the likelihood that of a request for a discretionary EIA
? The relevance of county or local area development plans to such a proposals an opinion on whether other local planning restrictions might constrain the project.