June 25, 2014
Ireland

Eadestown locals say no to wind turbines

Leinster Leader | 25 June 2014 | www.leinsterleader.ie

Eadestown and Rathmore locals have come together to oppose a new windfarm development in the area.

A company called Highfield Energy intends building two turbines on Athgarrett Hill, near Eadestown.

And if they get the go-ahead there will be a community fun of €5,000 a year for local community initiatives.

Locals have established ‘Eadestown Against Spin’ and spokesperson Linda McGee said there is a fear that if the company was granted permission, they might build more.

She said that locals feared the visual effect of the turbines and possible degradation of house prices. the group will hold a meeting next Monday night, June 30 in Rathmore Community Hall at 8pm.

Local county councillor James Lawless has called for Kildare County Council to suspend wind turbine planning applications until clear national guidelines have been established.

“This proposal came out of the blue really in Eadestown” said Cllr. Lawless “There was understandable concern given that the site is pretty much at the heart of Eadestown village on a hill just between the church and the GAA field and very close to houses.”

Speaking on behalf of the company, Gavin Jones said that they are “more or less ready to go” with a planning application.

“We’ve put forward all the information in the public domain and we’ll engage with anyone who wants to speak to us.

“Once the application goes in, people will have an opportunity to comment on it.

“We’ve designed it to meet all wind energy guidelines – it’s more than 500 metres from the nearest house – and it will comply with all relevant limits in relation to shadow flicker and noise.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/06/25/eadestown-locals-say-no-to-wind-turbines/