December 7, 2018
Ireland

Meenwaun complies with noise regulations

Offaly Independent | Thursday, 6th December | www.offalyindependent.ie

The controversial windfarm at Meenwaun complies with noise regulations, according to the results of a recently completed study.

The noise monitoring programme carried out by Fehily Timoney and Company took place between February 26 to May 8 at four of the houses closest to the windfarm, which became operational in March. The noise monitoring programme was one of the conditions set by Offaly County Council when Element Power were granted planning permission in April 2015.

Residents living close to the windfarm, which became operational in March, claim that their sleeping and quality of life has been affected by noise pollution from its four 169m turbines.

Last month, Birr-based Cllr John Carroll (Ind) called on the council to support residents living nearby, who want the turbines to be turned off between 11pm to 7am so that they can get a good night’s sleep.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent this week, Cllr Carroll said that he hadn’t yet read the report and could not comment on its findings.

“We will have to meet with the residents and see. The nuisance value is still there, that still exists no matter what the report says.

“We are still quite adamant that it is a nuisance to the residents. The residents are willing to come part of the way and have them turned off at night so that they can get a night’s sleep.”

“We understand that there is a need to provide renewable energy, it is part of the county development plan, but we understood that the council would ensure that they were as far away as possible from houses. They have gone for the cheapest and simplest sites with the closest access to public roads,” he said.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/12/07/meenwaun-complies-with-noise-regulations/