November 13, 2013
Ireland

Planning application lodged for wind turbines

13 November 2013 | www.independent.ie

A planning application has been lodged with Wicklow County Council seeking to erect nine Wind Turbines on Butter Mountain near Manor Kilbride.

A number of months ago Galetech Energy Developments Ltd. sent letters out to stakeholders living in the area asking them to provide comment on a proposed wind energy development.

IWCM Ltd. then carried out a detailed project assessment on behalf of Galetech Energy Developments Ltd. in order to confirm the feasibility and suitability of the site for the development.

Cllr. Tommy Cullen says the planning application has caused a great deal of ‘upset’ in the locality.

‘A local committee has already been formed to oppose it. People in the area are very upset and are quite shocked at the news. It came as a complete surprise to people to learn that Manor Kilbride is zoned suitable for wind farms in the Wicklow County Development Plan. It was slipped into the back of the County Development Plan without anyone really noticing. It certainly can’t be helpful to the campaign against the wind-farm, particularly when the developers mention it in their application.’

Letters sent out to households earlier in the year described each turbine as being 85m in height with a rotor diameter of 82m and a height not exceeding 126m from the ground to blade tip.

Cllr. Cullen says there are a number of reasons why people will object to the development.

‘Firstly it would be a huge intrusion on a beautiful landscape and an area of outstanding natural beauty. It will have a dramatic impact on the landscape and on house prices as well. There is research available that suggests the cost of houses can go down by 40 per cent in an area where a wind-farm is located. I am already aware of two house sales that collapsed since this application was lodged. These turbines will also impact on the quality of life enjoyed by people living in the area.’

A special public meeting has been organised for Thursday, November 21 at 8 p.m. in Manor Kilbride Community Hall. All are welcome to attend.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/13/planning-application-lodged-for-wind-turbines/