November 1, 2013
Ireland

Nenagh anti-turbine group make their case at Leinster House

Tipperary Star | 1 November 2013 | www.tipperarystar.ie

Nenagh Wind Turbine Opposition Group met Junior Minister Alan Kelly, Sen John Kelly and senior officials from the Department of the Environment in Government Buildings over the proposal by Procter and Gamble to install a wind turbine at Coolaholloga.

The group raised its concerns and objections in relation to the proposed wind turbine development, and included its presentation from its first public meeting held in October.

The presentation included representations, documentation and photomontages on the issues that the group has been highlighting over the past number of months.

These include the location of the turbine in a predominantly residential area; its size and scale; health and noise impact on people living within its vicinity; shadow flicker; environmental impact on the new N52 walkway and cycle lanes; property devaluations and setting a precedent with possible follow up development and installation of other turbines on a similar scale.

Sen John Kelly discussed the introduction of the Wind Turbine Bill into Seanad Eireann where it passed all stages, but at present is parked by the Taoiseach in Dail Eireann.

The group discussed the new Wind Energy Guidelines that are set to be published within the next six to eight weeks by the Junior Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan.

The delegation argued that the setback distances of such developments should be set at 10 times the height of the turbine in the new guidelines. The Government representatives pointed out that new draft guidelines in relation to setback distances and other such issues will be issued shortly for public consultation and will be implemented within the next few months.

Nenagh Wind Turbine Opposition Group was heartened by the hearing they received and feel that the meeting was a worthwhile exercise. The Group thanked Deputy Kelly and the other Government representatives and staff for the courtesy afforded them.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/01/nenagh-anti-turbine-group-make-their-case-at-leinster-house/