A second proposed wind-farm in Co Limerick has run into problems due to the presence of the protected bird, the hen harrier.
Last August, Limerick County Council granted planning permission for an eight-turbine wind-farm near Athea in west Limerick, despite a recommendation to refuse from a senior engineer over possible dangers to the hen harrier, listed as a protected species in the EU Birds Directive.
An Taisce has now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanβla, due in part to concerns over the hen harrier.
Now, a proposal for a six-turbine wind-farm in east Limerick has also run into problems due to the presence of the bird.
Proposed for the slopes of Knocknastanna Hill, seven kilometres from the village of Doon near the Limerick-Tipperary border, Birdwatch Ireland has voiced its concern over the impact the proposal will have on the bird.
It has told the council that the bird warrants "our fullest protection and the wind-farm development could have an adverse effect on the breeding cycles of these species in the area".
Plans for the 245 ft high wind-farm were lodged in June by Dublin-based company Ventus Energy and will produce electricity for 8,800 homes. However, the plan is facing widespread local opposition, including a number of objections from Co Tipperary.
With a petition of 70 names, the Knocknastanna Residents Action Group have lodged a strenuous objection, while Fine Gael leader and Limerick east TD, Mr Michael Noonan, has been recruited to help one objector in his opposition.
Making written representations to the council on behalf of Mr Michael Carey (Snr) of Doon, Mr Noonan says that Mr Carey is "very concerned about the proposal" over noise and visual impacts.
In reply, the council has told Mr Noonan "that the points raised by you will be borne in mind". Now the council has put the project on hold, requiring the developers to go back to the drawing board.
A decision will be made two months after Ventus submit the required information.