‘Community deserves to have their voice heard’: Kilkenny TD calls for public meeting on wind farm
The project is aiming to submit planning application before the end of the year
Sinn Féin TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Natasha Newsome Drennan, has called on FuturEnergy Ireland to hold an open public meeting on the proposed Ballyfasy wind turbine project near Mullinavat, following concerns from the community over insufficient local consultation.
A local community engagement clinic took place earlier this month, but prior booking was required to attend the event which was held about 20 minutes away from Mullinavat in Marine Point near the Waterford border.
Deputy Newsome Drennan asserted that the consultation process and the need for reservations to attend outside the locality, falls short of the standard expected for a project of this scale and impact.
“The development of a wind farm is a significant undertaking that will shape the local landscape and community for decades to come,” she said. “Therefore, it is vital that the consultation process is not only thorough but is also genuinely accessible and transparent for all residents”.
“By opting for a private, appointment-only model of consultation held outside the community, it has only raised more concerns. Consultation should be as inclusive and as easy to access as possible; many in the community, in particular old residents, felt this was not the case”.
Ten turbines are currently planned for the project and it is hoped that 40,000 homes will be powered by the site located 5km east of Mullinavat.
The Ballyfasy Wind Farm website says that construction will take place at least 720 metres from any habitable dwellings, but Deputy Newsome Drennan is pushing for greater transparency and engagement with local residents.
“I have written to FuturEnergy Ireland, urging them to schedule a public meeting as a matter of urgency,” she outlined.
“The community deserves to have their voice heard directly. I am calling on FuturEnergy Ireland to rectify this situation immediately by organising a public forum where all residents can receive clear information, have their questions answered and provide meaningful input on the plans that will affect their community”.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme