May 14, 2014
Ireland

Group vows to keep wind farm out of Kilbride area

By Suzanne Pender | The Nationalist | May 13, 2014 | www.carlow-nationalist.ie

People in Kilbride are determined they won’t become the latest victims of wind turbines, as they vowed to stop one that is planned for their area.

A planning application is currently before Carlow County Council for a 500kw wind turbine, at a height of 88.50m, at Cronaliegh, Kilbride, which also includes the construction of a 25,000sq metre electrical sub-station, site access road and all ancillary works.

“There has been absolutely no consultation on this at all,” said local resident Brendan Hindman. “A local farmer heard something about it and the next day there was a notice up at the site saying there were plans for a wind turbine. We knew nothing about it at all,” he added.

“There are five or six houses within 500 or 600 metres of this wind turbine and there’s a lot of houses within the radius of it,” said Mr Hindman, who accepted that the planning application is creating huge division within the community. The planning application for the wind turbine was lodged with the council on 1 April, with a decision due on 26 May.

Despite the lack of information, the community has rallied to form Cronaleigh Against Turbines. The group has also sought the services of planning consultants, archaeologists and ecologists in its fight.

Last Thursday morning, the group lodged a submission opposing the wind turbine with Carlow County Council, representing approximately 200 residents from the area. It has also lodged a petition totally opposing the plan, again signed by hundreds from the community.

“The last day for submission was Monday 5 May, and a decision will be made three weeks after that. There’s been no consultation on this whatsoever,” said Mr Hindman.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/05/14/group-vows-to-keep-wind-farm-out-of-kilbride-area/