Renew MEP Ciaran Mullooly has asked the European Commission whether the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Derrynadarragh Wind Farm in Ireland complies with EU law, after a neighbouring farmer raised concerns about noise, shadow flicker, livestock welfare and the viability of his holding. The question, tabled on 8 June 2026, targets the application of the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU, as amended by 2014/52/EU) to a project that could affect human health, material assets and agricultural activity.
Mullooly’s three-part question seeks clarity on whether an EIA that fails to adequately assess significant effects on a neighbouring agricultural holding meets the requirements of Articles 3 and 5 of the directive. He also asks what action the Commission can take if a member state authorises a project without a full assessment of effects on nearby farms and dwellings, and whether the Commission will assess if Irish authorities correctly applied the directive in this specific case.
The MEP’s intervention highlights a potential gap between EU environmental law and its implementation at national level, particularly regarding the assessment of cumulative impacts on individual farms. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal whether it considers the Irish permitting process compliant or whether it may launch an infringement procedure.