October 14, 2016
Ireland

Kildare campaigners welcome wind farm decision

By Niamh O'Donoghue | Leinster Leader | 14 Oct 2016 | www.leinsterleader.ie

Campaigners fighting against plans for Kildare’s first ever wind farm have welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse permission for the Maighne development.

“I am delighted with today’s decision. Kildare Environmental Awareness Group (KEAG) is absolutely thrilled. We would like to thank all the people in the community who rowed in behind us. We would also like to thank the politicians, who supported us,” said spokesperson, Shelia O’Brien.

“I feel this is a just and correct decision. However, if the developer puts in another planning application, which happened in North Meath, we will be more than ready for them.”

Ms O’Brien said a public meeting would be organised next week to discuss the decision with members of the community.

Element Power was today refused permission to build 47 turbines up to 169 metres high through West Kildare up towards the north of the county over the Meath border.

The turbines would have been located in townlands near Rathangan, Ballyteague, up towards Allenwood, Donadea, Johnstownbridge and Enfield.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Emmet Stagg welcomed the decision as a vindication of the rights of the citizens of North West Kildare and stated “An Bord Pleanala had prevented the destruction of the rural landscape of North West Kildare and protected the amenities of the residents of the area.”

However, he did point out the decision is not as comprehensive as it could have been in relation to the Noise Pollution, Visual Impact, Impact on Equine Industry, Aviation Safety.

Dep James Lawless said; “I have been inundated from residents in Donadea, Johnstownbridge, Carbury and Broadford who had expressed their concerns. I am delighted for these residents that An Bord Pleanála has given them a final decision.”

“I had previously met Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Energy Denis Naughton to discuss Maighne Wind Farm and the lack of national guidelines or regulations for wind farms. It would have been premature give to go ahead for any projects while these guidelines are being drafted,” he said.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/10/14/kildare-campaigners-welcome-wind-farm-decision/