Ireland’s High Court has ordered the permanent shutdown of three wind turbines at the 15-megawatt Gibbet Hill wind farm in County Wexford after finding they created a noise nuisance for nearby residents.
In a ruling published on Monday, Justice Oisin Quinn said the shutdown was the only effective remedy, following admissions of liability from the operators. The case centred on complaints from a couple living near the wind farm, which has been in operation since May 2013.
“I have decided that the fair, just and appropriate outcome is to make a permanent order directing that the three turbines in question be shut off completely,” Justice Quinn stated. “That is the only order based on the evidence, in the opinion of both sides’ experts, which will prevent the nuisance which the defendants admit is a serious one.”
The judgement follows a six-week trial earlier this year. The court also awarded €300,000 in general damages and an additional €60,000 in aggravated damages to the plaintiffs. Justice Quinn criticised the response from the wind farm’s operators, describing their conduct over a 12-year period as “seriously unimpressive.”
The defendants in the case were ABO Energy Ireland, ABO Energy O&M Ireland, and Wexwind. The project was developed by ABO Energy, received planning permission, and was acquired by Wexwind in 2013.
In a statement, ABO Energy said it remains committed to being a responsible developer and “a good neighbour.” The company noted that “the wind farm complies with the planning conditions,” and added that the case reflected “a specific combination of circumstances at Gibbet Hill.”
“Wind energy technology and planning standards have continued to advance significantly over the past decade, further reinforcing protections for communities,” the company said.
ABO Energy also highlighted its long-standing involvement in Ireland’s renewable energy sector, stating it has provided “long-term investment and employment in rural communities, and contributed to a secure, sustainable electricity supply.”
The company said it hoped future planning and policy frameworks would offer greater certainty for developers and communities, enabling continued progress on renewable energy goals.
The ruling marks a rare legal intervention into operational wind energy infrastructure in Ireland, with potential implications for community relations and regulatory oversight in future projects.
