DEREK Iceton has welcomed news that planning permission to erect 46 wind turbines near Kells, Co Meath, has been refused.

The proposed Emlagh Wind Farm met with huge local opposition and the equine industry was represented at an oral hearing last summer which lasted for five weeks.

In its decision, An Bord Pleanála said that a wind farm of the scale, extent and height proposed would “visually dominate this populated rural area, would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity, and would interfere with the character of the landscape.”

Iceton, chairman of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and whose Tara Stud is in Co Meath, said: “Be it power lines or wind farms, this is an ongoing issue and a constant threat. The ITBA has been very vociferous when asked to oppose these ill-conceived proposals.”

He continued: “I accept there is a need to have sustainable, renewable energy sources but they have to be properly planned and cannot be allowed to overly intrude on anyone’s home, not just stud farms.”

Iceton is advising anyone in the equine industry with concerns over proposed pylons or turbines in their area to contact the ITBA offices. “Get in touch as we will help as much as we can,” he said.