High Court refuses certificate of leave to appeal on wind farm planning decision due to lack of point of law.

THE HIGH COURT

COMMERCIAL

JUDICIAL REVIEW

IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 50 OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 AS AMENDED

Record No. 2016/613JR

BETWEEN

DERMOT MCDONNELL

APPLICANT

–AND-

AN BORD PLEANÁLA

RESPONDENT

-AND-

OWENINNY POWER DAC

NOTICE PARTY

Judgment of Mr. Justice Robert Haughton delivered the 31st day of May, 2017.

1. This judgment deals –

(a) with the form of the order that the court should make consequent on its rulings made on 16 May, 2017 and

17 May, 2017, and

(b) with the applicant’s application for a certificate of leave to appeal under section 50A(7) of the Planning and

Development Act, 2000 (as amended) (“the 2000 Act”).

The second question involves preliminary consideration of whether certification is required at all. It should be noted

that the applicant has at all stages appeared in person.

2. It is necessary first to summarise the history of the proceedings thus far:

(i) The impugned decision of the respondent to grant approval for a windfarm at Oweninny, Bellacorick, Co. Mayo, is

dated 2 June, 2016.

(ii) On 27 July, 2016, just within the 8 week period allowed by s.50(6) for seeking leave for judicial review of the

Board’s decision, the applicant lodged papers in the Central Office.

(iii) For reasons considered in my earlier rulings the applicant did not make his application for leave until he moved his

application ex parte before Humphreys J. on 21 November, 2016. The matter was adjourned to enable the applicant to

swear a further affidavit to exhibit a copy of the impugned decision, and to deal with delay, both of which were

addressed in a second affidavit sworn by the applicant on 12 December, 2016.

(iv) By order dated 12 December, 2016, Humphreys J. granted leave to apply for the reliefs set forth in paragraph D1

of the Statement of Grounds (certiorari) on the grounds set forth in E1 and E2, but refused leave in respect of any

other relief or on any other grounds viz. grounds E3 and E4.

The said order did not extend time for seeking leave, although the reasons for delay were addressed in the applicant’s

second affidavit.

(v) By order of McGovern J. dated 19 December, 2016, on the motion of the notice party the proceedings were

admitted to the Commercial List for hearing.

(vi) In its Statement of Opposition the respondent raised a preliminary objection that the ex parte application for leave

was out of time because it was not ‘made’ within 8 weeks, and pleaded that the applicant had not sought or been

granted an extension of time, and that the reasons proffered were not ‘good or sufficient’ or outside his control within

the meaning of s.50(8) of the Act of 2000. Similar objection was taken by the Notice Party in its Statement of

Opposition. In the interests of expedition, the notice party chose to pursue these objections at full hearing rather than

bring separate motions seeking to set aside the leave order.

(vii) The matter came on for full hearing before me on Tuesday, 16 May 2017. As the respondent and notice party

were pursuing their preliminary objections, I considered that the hearing would be best managed by first determining

whether the leave application was made on time (see Transcript day 1 pgs.4-6).

(viii) Having heard argument on that issue I delivered my ex tempore ruling on 16 May, 2017 (the “first ruling”). This

is recorded in the Transcript day 1, pgs. 24-37. In my first ruling I respectfully differ from the approach taken by

Humphreys J. that is evident from his decisions in Burke v. Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform [2015]

I.E.H.C. 614 and McCreesh v. An Bord Pleanála [2016] I.E.H.C. 394 viz. that when the papers in an ex parte

application are lodged in the Central Office that stops time running. I determined that the ex parte application was not

“made” for the purposes of section 50A(2) of the 2000 Act until the matter was moved in court. Accordingly, I found

that the filing of the ex parte leave papers on 27 July, 2016, did not commence the proceedings, and the application

was not “made” until the matter was moved before Humphreys J. on 21 November, 2016 (see Transcript day 1 p.37).

Having so found I then stated: –

“that brings the court on to the second issue, which is whether it should extend time.”

(ix) The court then proceeded to consider the question of extension of time. In addition to the affidavit evidence before

the court the applicant was permitted to give oral evidence, on which he was cross examined, and I then heard further

oral argument. I also had the benefit of full pleadings and the parties written submissions. In his oral submissions,

counsel for the notice party made it clear to the court that a relevant factor that the court should consider in deciding

this issue was the merits of the case, and the notice party wished to urge upon the court that no arguable case had been

made out. This submission was based on commonly cited dicta of Clarke J. in Kelly v Leitrim County Council [2005]

2 IR 404 at pgs. 413, 415 and 423. Accordingly, counsel for the notice party contended that the grounds raised by the

applicant were not arguable, and the applicant had an opportunity to and did reply to that contention.

(x) Having reserved my decision overnight, I delivered an ex tempore judgment on 17 May, 2017 - see Transcript day

2 pgs. 4-37 (the “second ruling”). I considered the application in the context of the non-exhaustive factors (a) – (f)

identified by Clarke J. in Kelly v Leitrim County Council at pgs. 412 – 413 of his judgment, factor (f) being “the

merits of the case”. In effect, I found that while I would have been disposed to extend time for seeking leave to seek

judicial review on consideration of factors (a) – (e), on consideration of the merits of the case under factor (f) I was

led to the conclusion that I should not extend time. At page 26 of the Transcript I state –

“… I find that the Applicants case on grounds (e)(i) and (ii) is not arguable and is bound to fail for a number of

reasons which it is appropriate to set out.”

Thereafter I give some six reasons related to the merits of the case that support this conclusion and I end on page 37

by stating –

“I must, therefore, refuse the application to extend time for pursuing grounds (e) (i) and (ii) and the proceedings

must therefore be dismissed.”

(xi) As no party sought their costs I determined that there should be ‘no order as to costs’.

FORM OF ORDER

3. It is evident from the foregoing that I decided firstly that the ex parte application for leave to seek judicial review was not

“made” in time. Logically it follows that the order granting leave should be set aside, because it is not apparent on the face

of that order that Humphreys J. considered or adjudicated on the question of whether to extend time for making the

application. Secondly in the context of deciding whether to extend time I addressed, inter alia, the merits of the case and

concluded that there was no arguable case. Accordingly, the operative part of the order should read as follows: –

THE COURT FINDS AND DETERMINES that the application for leave to apply for judicial review was not

made within the period prescribed in section 50(6) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and accordingly

was made out of time;

IT IS ORDERED that, the court having determined that the within Application does not disclose arguable

grounds for the grant of the relief claimed, the court refuses to extend the time having regard to section 50(8) of

the Planning and Development Act 2000

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the order of Mr Justice Humphreys made herein on the 12th day of

December 2016, to the extent only that it granted leave to the applicant to seek judicial review, be set aside

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the relief sought by the Applicant as set out in paragraph D(1) of the

Statement of Grounds is refused and the Applicant’s proceedings be dismissed.

And on hearing the said Applicant and Counsel for the Respondent and Counsel for the Notice Party in

respect of costs

No order as to costs.

CERTIFICATION – IS IT REQUIRED?

4. This question is not straightforward. Counsel for the respondent presented legal authority bearing on the issue, but

remained neutral as to whether it is or is not required. Counsel for the notice party argued that certification was required.

The applicant did not address this issue, but did address the court and seek certification.

5. Section 50A(7) provides –

“(7) The determination of the Court of an application for section 50 leave or of an application for judicial review

on foot of such leave shall be final and no appeal shall lie from the decision of the Court to the [Court of Appeal]

in either case save with leave of the Court which leave shall only be granted where the Court certifies that it’s

decision involves a point of law of exceptional public importance and that it is desirable in the public interest that

an appeal should be taken to the [Court of Appeal].”

6. In A. B. v. Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform [2002] 1 I. R. 296 the Supreme Court, in the context of a

very similarly worded provision in section 5(3)(a) “The determination of the High Court of an application for leave to apply for judicial

review as aforesaid or of an application for such judicial review shall be final and no appeal shall lie from the decision of the High Court to the

Supreme Court in either case except with the leave of the High Court which leave shall only be granted where the High Court certifies that its decision

involves a point of law of exceptional public importance and that it is desirable in the public interest that an appeal should be taken to the Supreme

Court.” of the Illegal Immigrants Trafficking Act 2000, addressed the question of whether the applicants required leave to

appeal to the Supreme Court from orders of the High Court refusing them an extension of time within which to seek judicial

review of a deportation order and a refusal of refugee status respectively. At the outset, two points should be noted about

this decision. First, the time limit for seeking judicial review in such cases under s.5(2)(a) of that Act was only 14 days.

Secondly, it does not appear from the report that the High Court made any determination of the merits of the cases in

refusing to extend time.

It was held by the Supreme Court, in allowing the appeals to be heard, that the issues involved on the application for an

extension of time might be substantially different from those involved in the application for leave, and under the express

provisions of the Illegal Immigrants Trafficking Act 2000 there was no ouster of the right of appeal from a refusal to extend

time. Critically it was held that the refusal of an extension of time by the High Court was not a “determination” of an

application for leave within the meaning of s. 5(3)(a).

The starting point for the court’s consideration was Article 34.4.3 of the Constitution which (then) provided –

“The Supreme Court shall, with such exceptions and subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law,

have appellate jurisdiction from all decisions of the High Court, and shall also have appellate jurisdiction from

such decisions of other courts as may be prescribed by law.”

Since this decision the Twenty Third Amendment to the Constitution has provided for the establishment of the Court of

Appeal, and under the new Article 34.4.3 it is now that court that has appellate jurisdiction from all judgments of the High

Court.

7. Keane CJ. stated at page 301: –

“The critical provision is, however, that contained in subs.(3)(a). I do not think that I do any injustice to the

argument advanced on behalf of the applicants in saying that it rests essentially on the proposition that the

“determination” referred to in that subparagraph is a final judicial conclusion, after an examination of the merits,

of either an application for leave to apply for judicial review or the application for judicial review itself. An

application for an order extending the period within which the application is to be made, on the other hand, does

not necessarily involve any examination of the merits of the application and, accordingly, cannot be regarded as a

“determination” of the application. Where the court decides that there is good and sufficient reason for extending

the time, it must necessarily proceed to a second and, as was urged, separate or discrete application, i.e. as to

whether leave should be granted and it was only the second such adjudication which could be said to be the

determination of the application for leave within the meaning of s.5(3)(a).”

8. Geoghegan J., with whose judgment Denham, McGuinness and Fennelly JJ. agreed, stated at p.319:

“While it is true that this court has recently held in G.K. v. Minister for Justice [2002] 1 I.L.R.M. 401, that on an

application for extension of time, the court is entitled to have regard to the fact that the merits of the application might

be unstateable or, on the other hand, particularly strong, in many instances the issues on the application for extension

of time would be quite different from the issues on the application for leave itself. All sorts of issues can arise on the

application for the extension of time, such as non-delivery of letters, delay by the applicant's solicitor, difficulties in

language communication etc. which might not turn out to be relevant on the application for leave.

In this connection, it is irrelevant in my view whether the application for an extension of time is brought by an

independent motion on notice in advance of an application for leave or whether the extension of time is requested in a

combined motion on notice seeking the extension of time and then, if granted, leave for judicial review. In either event

the issues involved on the application for extension of time may be substantially different from those involved in the

application for leave. Under the express terms of the Act the restrictions on the right of appeal to the Supreme Court

apply to the application for leave or the application for judicial review and as a matter of ordinary grammar and syntax,

I find it difficult to see how it could be argued that there is an ouster of the right of appeal from a refusal to extend

time. If the Oireachtas had intended that, it should have said so. Until the extension is granted there is no application

for leave in existence. But even if as a matter of grammar and syntax, such an argument could be made, there is

certainly not a clear and unambiguous ouster of the right of appeal which is required under the constitutional

jurisprudence referred to earlier in this judgment.”

9. In agreeing with Geoghegan J, Fennelly J stated at p.324:

“The fact that the extension of time application is, in principle, distinct, is illustrated by the fact that the court

accepted in The Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Bill, 1999 [2000] 2 I.R. 360, as Keane C.J. noted that a

separate application could be made for an extension within the fourteen day period. This point is further

underscored in the judgment of Geoghegan J., where he points to the distinct character of the matters which will

need to be considered on such an application for an extension of time. This view gains further support from the

remark of Hardiman J. that this "is a special statutory jurisdiction which is in [his] view sui generis " (G.K. v.

Minister for Justice [2002] 1 I.L.R.M. 401 at p. 404). There is a further decisive consideration. As Geoghegan

J. also points out, where the respondent objects to an order which is made granting an extension, there is nothing

to prevent that party from appealing such an order. Section 5(3)(a) does not apply. The reason is that the order

granting the extension of time does not determine whether leave will be granted. Some troublesome anomalies

flow from treating the refusal of an extension of time as a determination of an application for leave. Firstly, it is

clear, that an order granting an extension is not to be treated as amounting to the determination of an application.

It seems equally clear that an order refusing an extension will be treated as not determining the application for

leave, if the extension application is made within the fourteen days. On the other hand, an order refusing leave

after the expiry of the time will be treated as determining the application for leave. In my view, that interpretation

of the section is both inconsistent and discriminatory. It is not an acceptable approach to the interpretation of a

provision claimed to limit the right of an affected person to access to the courts.”

10. A.B. was followed and applied quite recently by the Supreme Court in A. v. Minister for Justice and Equality [2013]

IESC 18. The applicant brought a motion seeking leave to seek judicial review of a decision of the Refugee Applications

Commissioner somewhat outside the 14 day period. That application was adjourned, and was never in fact heard. During

the period of adjournment, the respondent brought an application by notice of motion seeking an order dismissing the

proceedings on the grounds that they were frivolous/vexatious or doomed to fail and an abuse of the process. The court

considered the grounds, and noted that the applicant had a pending appeal to the refugee appeals tribunal, and acceded to

the motion and dismissed the proceedings. The appellant appealed against that judgement and order, and the respondents

brought a motion before the Supreme Court seeking to have the appeal dismissed on the basis that the appellant required a

certificate of leave to appeal. The court considered that the net point was whether the High Court order dismissing the

proceedings was a “determination of the High Court of an application for leave to apply for judicial review as aforesaid”. At

paragraph 24 of her judgement Denham CJ. states –

“24. The facts of the case, as set out earlier, that the appellant’s application for leave to apply for judicial review

was not heard by the High Court. What the High Court heard was the motion brought by the respondent seeking

an order that the appellant’s proceedings be dismissed on the grounds that they were frivolous, vexatious and/or

doomed to failure. Thus, to decide if the decision of the High Court on that motion was a “determination” under

s.5(3)(a) requires an analysis of the law and facts.”

Denham CJ. then referred to the decision in A.B., quoting with approval from the judgement of Geoghegan J. at page 319,

referred to above, where he states that the issues involved in the application for extension of time “may be substantially

different from those involved in the application for leave” and where he found “it difficult to see how it could be argued that

there is an ouster of the right of appeal from a refusal to extend time”. Denham CJ. then stated: –

“27. I would apply that analysis to this case. The issues involved in a motion to dismiss may be substantially

different from those involved in an application for leave to apply for judicial review. I agree and apply the

reasoning of Geoghegan J. that the wording of s. 5(3)(a) does not clearly ouster an appeal from such a motion.

Further, even if such an argument could be made, there is certainly not a clear and unambiguous ouster of the

right of appeal, such clear language being necessary under the constitutional jurisprudence.”

11. I was also referred to my own decision in Sweetman v An Bord Pleanála and others [2017] IEHC 133, but this does not

assist primarily because in that case the jurisprudence outlined above was not raised in argument or considered by the court.

12. In highlighting the above quoted extracts from the decisions in A.B. and A., counsel for the notice party argued that the

court should distinguish the present case from one in which a decision to refuse an extension of time does not have regard to

the merits of the application. Keane CJ. refers to a “determination” as being a judicial determination where there has been

an examination of the merits of the case. Geoghegan J. in referring to the judgement of Hardiman J. in G.K. acknowledges

the entitlement of the court considering an extension of time to have regard to the merits of the case where they are

“unstateable”, but emphasises that in many instances the issues on an extension application will be quite different. Fennelly

J. also emphasises that the extension application does not decide whether or not leave will be granted – that is a further

determination that is made if an extension is granted.

13. Thus counsel urged the court to have regard to the fact that in the present case statements of opposition with verifying

affidavits were filed, the pleadings were effectively closed, and the matter came on for hearing before this court by way of

full trial. Furthermore, all parties filed written submissions dealing with the merits of the applicant’s application for judicial

review (as well as the issue of delay and extension of time). More particularly counsel urged that in determining the

extension of time application, the court, on the invitation of the notice party, had regard to the merits of the application. It

did so with the benefit of full pleadings, replying affidavits and the submissions of all parties. Having heard the extension

application the court refused an extension of time purely on the basis that on the merits, the application for judicial review

was not arguable.

14. I believe these arguments are well made. It is notable that when the Supreme Court delivered its decision in A.B.

Hardiman J had only recently given his judgment in G.K. noting that “…it is not an excessive burden to require the

demonstration of an arguable case” where an extension of time is sought. The Supreme Court in A.B. did not take issue with

that proposition, and it was applied by McGuiness J. in C.S. v. Minister for Justice [2004] IESC 44. Some years later the

principle achieved prominence in the field of planning judicial review following the decision of Clarke J in Kelly v Leitrim

County Council - see particularly pages 413-415, which were relied upon in my second ruling. The practice of having regard

to the merits of the case in reaching a decision on whether to extend time has grown over time and is now a regular feature

in arguments raised by respondents opposing a time extension.

15. There can be no doubt that in this case, on the urging of the notice party, the court expressly had regard to the merits, or

lack thereof. Moreover, this happened in the course of argument and the applicant was afforded the opportunity to and did

address the court specifically on the notice party’s submissions that the grounds pleaded by the applicant were not arguable.

This is evident from the transcripts and is reflected in the order that will now be perfected stating -

IT IS ORDERED that, the court having determined that the within Application does not disclose arguable

grounds for the grant of the relief claimed, the court refuses to extend the time having regard to section 50(8) of

the Planning and Development Act 2000.

This reflects the true position, namely that this court did not refuse to extend time based on any time considerations, but did

so solely on the basis that on fuller consideration of the relevant grounds with the benefit of full pleadings, replying affidavits

and submissions, those grounds were not arguable. Indeed, had the grounds been arguable I would have been disposed to

have extended time. This is apparent from those parts of my second ruling in which I accepted the applicant’s evidence and

found that he had, inadvertently, been misled as to when he should ‘move’ the ex parte application, and that he had in all

other respects demonstrated good and sufficient reason for extending time by showing circumstances that were effectively

beyond his control. The only reason time was not extended was because the two grounds pursued were not arguable.

16. However a distinction must be drawn between my first ruling, that the ex parte application was made out of time, and

the second ruling refusing to extend time. In respect of the first ruling there was no consideration of the merits of the

application. It was a separate and distinct matter that was dealt with effectively in a preliminary module - with narrow facts

and focussed argument upon which the basis for challenging the Board’s decision had no bearing whatsoever. It was

properly described as a preliminary matter. It clearly could not be described as a “determination” of the leave application

because it concerned whether or not such an application had been “made” at all within the meaning of s.50(6) of the 2000

Act. A fortiori it was not a “determination” of the judicial review. In respect, therefore, of the first ruling it must be

concluded that s.50A(7) has no application and the requirement for certification does not apply It is worth noting that the court

enquired of the applicant as to whether he wished to raise any point of law as to the correctness or otherwise of the first ruling. He indicated his belief

that the jurisprudence cited by counsel for the respondent and notice party “…led me to conclude that your interpretation of the law is probably the

correct one, judge.” (Transcript Day 3 p.56)..

17. However it does apply to the second ruling, and it is necessary to consider whether the applicant has raised any point

law of exceptional public importance in respect of which it is desirable in the public interest that the court should certify for

appeal.

POINTS OF LAW FOR CERTIFICATION

18. I note that in advance of this hearing the respondent’s solicitors wrote to the applicant advising him of s.50A(7) and

furnishing him with a copy of the judgement of McMenamin J. in the Glancre case to which I shall refer shortly. The

applicant’s submissions were largely contained in a written statement which he read out to the court and which appears in

the Transcript for day 3 pages 47-55. Unfortunately, the applicant did not formulate any specific points of law in respect of

which he sought certification and the court is left with the task of trying to discern possible points of law from his address.

19. In considering these the court applies the test under s.50A(7) that the point of law must be of “exceptional public

importance” and separately that it must be desirable in the public interest that an appeal be taken. The court also applies the

principles summarised by McMenamin J in Glancré Teoranta v. An Bord Pleanála [2006] I.E.H.C. 250: –

“I am satisfied that a consideration of these authorities demonstrates that the following principles are applicable in

the consideration of the issues herein.

1. The requirement goes substantially further than that a point of law emerges in or from the case. It must be one

of exceptional importance being a clear and significant additional requirement.

2. The jurisdiction to certify such a case must be exercised sparingly.

3. The law in question stands in a state of uncertainty. It is for the common good that such law be clarified so as

to enable the courts to administer that law not only in the instant, but in future such cases.

4. Where leave is refused in an application for judicial review i.e. in circumstances where substantial grounds

have not been established a question may arise as to whether, logically, the same material can constitute a point

of law of exceptional public importance such as to justify certification for an appeal to the Supreme Court

(Kenny).

5. The point of law must arise out of the decision of the High Court and not from discussion or consideration of

a point of law during the hearing.

6. The requirements regarding “exceptional public importance” and “desirable in the public interest” are

cumulative requirements which although they may overlap, to some extent require separate consideration by the

court (Raiu).

7. The appropriate test is not simply whether the point of law transcends the individual facts of the case since

such an interpretation would not take into account the use of the word “exceptional”.

8. Normal statutory rules of construction apply which mean inter alia that “exceptional” must be given its

normal meaning.

9. “Uncertainty” cannot be “imputed” to the law by an applicant simply by raising a question as to the point of

law. Rather the authorities appear to indicate that the uncertainty must arise over and above this, for example in

the daily operation of the law in question.

10. Some affirmative public benefit from an appeal must be identified. This would suggest a requirement that a

point to be certified be such that it is likely to resolve other cases.”

I would observe that point 4 is particularly relevant. As a matter of logic, it is more difficult for the applicant to persuade the

court that there could be any point of law of exceptional public importance arising out of the decision where the grounds

raised have already been held not to be arguable.

20. The applicant argues that the court has misunderstood the significant role of “capacity factor” in the context of this

particular planning application, its relationship to policy objectives of the State and its description of unit production in the

context of wind farms. He says that in this planning application capacity factor replaced “the very detailed windspeed

information normally included in wind farm applications”, and that there was a deficit of wind speed information. He argues

that this is all that he had to work with and that it formed the basis of the “required environmental calculations, for example

carbon abatement”.

21. This comes back to the applicant’s core complaint that the capacity factor was much greater than represented by the

developer and that “the price tag” that the developer will pay for this development in terms of community benefit

contribution is far too low.

22. In my second ruling I dealt with this by reference to the material before the board which included the EIS, the

applicant’s submissions on capacity factor and the evidence at the oral hearing, and the Inspectors main report and

conclusions which were accepted by the board. As I point out, the case law establishes that the adequacy of an EIS is a

matter for the planning authority. That case law at least in relation to planning decisions, does not stand in any state of

uncertainty, nor does the applicant suggest or try to identify any uncertainty. This therefore does not give rise to any point

of law that the court should certify.

23. In his address the applicant then returns to his complaint that the developer used a 33% capacity factor which he

characterised as a “lie” based on 2002 information and “using very dated technology”, and suggests that the developer was

trying to mislead An Bord Pleanála and court. He expresses the view that “the planning system as it stands is a blaggard’s

charter” and develops this theme with similarly colourful language in relation to the law. His end point is that this has led to

the grant of permission without a community benefit contribution that appropriately compensates the local community. He

returns to this theme later in his address when asserting that there should be ‘public confidence in the planning system” and

that developers should not be “free to tell us whatever comes into their head when it comes to non-environmental or

economic information”.

24. The applicants broadside attack on the planning system is really a generalised attack on the 2000 Act and regulations

made thereunder, and as such is a complaint about the planning policy and legislation that is a matter for the Oireachtas.

Moreover, his complaint is so lacking in specificity that it does not give rise to a point of law for certification. Further on in

his address the applicant narrows this down to criticism of the court’s limited role in a system of judicial review that does

not extend to reviewing the content of decisions other than in accordance with the test set out in O’Keeffe. As I have already

stated the jurisprudence in this regard is well established.

25. Next the applicant argues that “economics are as much part of the human environment as the electromagnetic field,

noise, shadow, flicker or gravity for that matter… Thus, it seems to me that when An Bord Pleanála comes to assess the

impacts, direct and indirect on human beings, economic factors should be fully considered.” The difficulty is that as a matter

of fact the board had considered the planning application, submissions, and material within the Inspector’s main report,

bearing on the issue of the environmental effect on the community, and community benefit contribution to compensate the

local community. It must also be presumed that board took into account the Inspector’s recommendations based on the

wind farm capturing “a reasonable or better wind resource” than 33% capacity factor, and the Inspectors view that a

community contribution of €2500 per installed megawatt per annum would be appropriate. The applicants point therefore

does not arise as a point of law. It seems to me that his point is really directed at the merits of the decision. As I’ve already

said it also seems to me that his focus on the capacity factor is misplaced insofar as the community benefit contribution is or

should be based on actual output measured in terms of megawatts.

26. The applicant has not satisfied me that there are any points of law of exceptional public importance in respect of which I

should grant a certificate and accordingly I refuse his application.