February 6, 2019
Ireland

Over 370 objections lodged against Kildare wind farm

By Niamh O'Donoghue | Leinster Leader | 6 Feb 2019 | www.leinsterleader.ie

Over 370 submissions have been lodged by a north Kildare community group against a proposed wind farm.

Drehid Against Wind Turbines said the total number of objections is higher than 370, with many locals opting to make their own submissions independent of the group.

The group is fighting plans to errect 12 169 metre high wind turbines in the Carbury/Drehid area.

“The people came out in force to drive home their objections to this development which would turn the county into an industrial power plant and devastate these beautiful areas,” said the group.

“People have become very educated about the very real negative effects these industrial size wind turbines would have on their lives. Their homes would certainly be devalued and those living near them would find their homes unsellable.”

They said some families in other parts of the country had to abandon their homes because of the noise and shadow flicker.

The group highlighted issues surrounding possible effects on wildlife, bird populations and infra sound and low frequency sound, which has been researched by Pro. Marianna Alves-Pereira.

“These hideous eyesores would be on our skyline for the next 30 years. The people have spoken – no means no,” said the group.

The committee thanked everyone for their help over the last number of months including John O’Neill, The Hamlet Court Hotel and the Castle Inn, Carbury for hosting the submission clinics.

The Drehid proposal is being brought forward by Statkraft which acquired Element Power Ireland last October.

“From the outset, we have sought to encourage real community involvement in a project that will deliver real climate action,” it said.

“We have engaged directly with over 260 households in the local and wider Drehid area to seek feedback on how this proposal could work best.

“This feedback has led to the reduction in the number of turbines being proposed from 14 turbines to 12, the distances between houses and turbines has been increased and we have committed to zero shadow flicker at any houses in the local area.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/02/06/over-370-objections-lodged-against-kildare-wind-farm/