November 7, 2013
Ireland

Bord Na Mona moves to reassure locals over turbines

Leinster Leader | 07 November 2013 | www.leinsterleader.ie

Bord Na Mona has stressed it will adhere to the turbine set back distance from homes as set out in the review of the 2006 Wind Energy Guidelines.

The company recently announced plans for a 600 to 700 turbine wind farm in West Kildare and East Offaly.

Campaign group, South Kildare Against Spin accused the company of lobbying for a reduction in the 500m set back as part of the review.

When asked if it had lobbied for the change it said; “Bord na Móna are committed to strictly adhering to the recommendations that will arise from the review and in doing so ensure that any impact from the operation of the wind turbines will be within the recommended limits.”

South Kildare Against Spin also questioned Bord na Mona’s plan to incorporate lands bordering it’s bogs. It said the invitation to business partners gives cause for alarm as “it creates the possibility of other private equity firms piggy-backing on to Bord na Móna’s application. “It should be remembered that as none of the electricity produced will be for the domestic market, our county and country will essentially be an offshore wind farm for the UK and Europe.

“Any potential benefits must be weighed up against the massive harm the industrialisation of the Midlands could cause to its people, tourism, wildlife and our other indigenous industries such as bloodstock.” Bord na Móna stressed; “The company believes the wind energy industry must be subject to the necessary regulations that ensure among other things, that development is safe and that impacts are appropriate. ”

It said its land will provide the bulk of the wind farm. “The number of partner landholders required will be dependent on key variables, not least being the area of the individual landholdings and their location vis a vis the nearest Bord na Móna windfarm.” It said it would like to further reassure communities that it remains committed to developing these assets in a way that benefits local communities and furthers their long-term interests.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/07/bord-na-mona-moves-to-reassure-locals-over-turbines/