Opinion of the Advocate General — ECLI:EU:C:2026:315
Date: 2026-04-16
Language of the case: English

Reference for a preliminary ruling from the Court of Appeal (Ireland) made on 17 January 2025 – SU, Wild Ireland Defence CLG v An Bord Pleanála and Others; Other party: Knocknamona Windfarm Limited (Case C-27/25, Knocknamona) Language of the case: English Referring court Court of Appeal Parties to the main proceedings Applicants: SU, Wild Ireland Defence CLG Defendants: An Bord Pleanála, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Ireland, The Attorney General Other party: Knocknamona Windfarm Limited Question referred Are valid conservation objectives for a Special Protection Area a pre-requisite to the competent authority’s jurisdiction to carry out a valid appropriate assessment under Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/EEC1 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora as amended (the "Habitats Directive”) when considering an application for a grant of development consent ____________ 1 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ 1992, L 206, p. 7).