'More battles to come' in windfarm dispute involving Kilkenny community

Independent councillor, Maurice Shortall said 'it was a good day' for communities in North Kilkenny and Laois following confirmation that plans to construct a proposed wind farm on the Laois-Kilkenny border were refused by Laois County Council earlier this week.

However, Cllr Shortall, who was elected to Kilkenny County Council for the very first time in 2024, did warn more battles lie ahead.

The planning notice by Seskin Renewable Energy had outlined plans for the construction of eight turbines.

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The company said the project would power 36,000 homes. They were seeking a ten year planning permission and a 35 year operational life from the date of commissioning. 

Cllr Shortall, who is a local representative in the area welcomed developments stating: "I’d like to warmly welcome the news that both Kilkenny and Laois County Council have both refused the Seskin Wind Farm Development.

"Local Authorities are standing up to central government and it’s glorious to see. The big winners here are the people of Laois and Kilkenny. More battles to come but today is a good day," he concluded.

The 'No to Seskin Windfarm Laois/Kilkenny' welcomed the news stating: "Common sense has prevailed, the industrialisation of an area, deemed unsuitable for consideration for Wind Turbines in the County Development Plan, has been blocked unanimously by both County Councils.

"This is on the back of overwhelming local opposition by the communities of Durrow, Lisdowney and Ballyragget," the group spokesperson said.

"Thanks to all who have supported and who have made submissions thus far. Although this has been refused by both councils, this may be appealed by the developer to An Comisiun Pleanala but with the strength of local support and opposition, we are ready for what comes next.

"Thank you all," they concluded. 

In response to the posting of the planning notice for the proposed wind farm in the Kilkenny People back in June, a public meeting was organised by the group where a large number of people in the communities impacted voiced their concerns.

Kilkenny County Council joined several other local authorities by voting in favour of suggesting that major onshore windfarm developments be paused until updated guidelines can be passed at national level.The current legislation has been in place since 2006 and many communities believe that the long-awaited Wind Energy Development Guidelines need to be published before new projects can continue.

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