January 16, 2016
Ireland

Clonroche opposition to wind turbine plan

David Looby | Irish Independent | 16/01/2016 | www.independent.ie

A planning application for wind turbines on a hill near Clonroche has led to concern that further wind farm developments will be built in the New Ross district.

A public meeting on the proposal, chaired by Cllr John Fleming, will be held at Clonroche Community Centre on Thursday at 8 p.m.

Ballinclay Windfarms Ltd applied to Wexford County Council for permission to erect three wind turbines, an electricity sub station, ancillary buildings and incidental site works, to include site roads.

The application states that the tower heights will not exceed 85 metres and the rotor diameters are not to exceed 82 metres.

The anticipated output from the three turbines will be approximately 6.9MW.

A local resident said the area is divided over the plans by Edward Murphy, who is originally from the district, but is now living in Thomastown.

The resident, who asked to remained anonymous, ‘We are trying to put a stop to it. According to the planning application there is a 10 km area south of Clonroche extending down towards New Ross which is zoned for wind farm development.

‘This is the only area of the county designated for wind energy development so this wind farm could open the door to further wind farms in the south west of the county.’

The resident said there is annoyance in the area as no meeting was held about the plans.

‘This will affect house prices. It’s location is one and a half kilometres from the village. People are concerned about the height of the giant turbines and about noise from them. We think that once they are developed they will be sold on to a bigger company who will develop more wind farms in the New Ross area.’

At the meeting residents will be advised to send individual letters of objection.

‘We all have to still live here at the end of the day. We have worked hard to pay for our houses. The turbines will be able to be seen from Wellingtonbridge.’

New Ross Standard

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/01/16/clonroche-opposition-to-wind-turbine-plan/