Kilkenny communities concerned over possibility of more wind turbines

Members of the communities of Kilmanagh, Ballycallan, Tullaroan and surrounding areas are raising objections to the latest wind farm proposal in their community.

Briskalagh Ltd have announced their intention to apply for permission for a wind farm development that will consist of, amongst other items, the provision of seven wind turbines with an overall turbine tip height of 185 metres; a rotor blade diameter of 163 metres; hub height of 103.5 metres, associated foundations and hard-standing areas.

They submitted a planning application to Kilkenny County Council for same but it has been deemed incomplete by the local authority so will have to be resubmitted.

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According to a community group based in Kilmanagh, ‘renewable energy and sustainable solutions are widely supported here (with 15 turbines already in the area and 11 more granted permission) but ‘the proposed location of this new wind farm Briskalagh, raises specific issues that could impact residents health and quality of life’.

“These earlier projects show that our community is not opposed to wind farms but is instead focused on ensuring that developments are responsibly and safely placed,” the group spokesperson continued.

“The concerns voiced today are about potential cumulative health impacts that may arise due to the close proximity of the planned turbines to residential homes in addition to the other windfarms already in our locality.

“While renewable energy is crucial, it is equally important that new projects are developed responsibly, considering the well-being of those who live near them.

“We urge decision-makers to ensure that community health, environmental impacts (including water quality and flooding) and the voices of residents are respected in the planning process.”

Four weeks ago, a national organisation that represents a number of community groups in Kilkenny with concerns about various aspects of wind farm development held a meeting with Taoiseach Simon Harris.

During the 30-minute discussion, CEPA (Communities and Environmental Protection Alliance) presented a case for the necessity of statutory regulation to protect public health, referencing the 2018 WHO guidelines that recommend a maximum wind turbine noise level of 37 dB.

In addition, CEPA urged the Taoiseach’s department to review wind energy policy in light of advancements in science regarding wind turbine noise, including amplitude modulation, infrasound and low-frequency noise.

CEPA have since stated that they are still awaiting a response from the Taoiseach.

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