ISPCA plans to object to Co. Longford wind farm 

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is set to object to the development of a wind farm in Co. Longford.

The ISPCA’s National Animal Centre is based outside Kenagh which is in close proximity to the proposed site for the Derryadd Wind Farm development at Lanesboro.

The organisation said that while it supports the creation of renewable energy, it has concerns about the proposed wind farm due to “the close proximity of turbines to the ISPCA’s National Animal Centre at Derryglogher”.

Speaking to AgriLand the ISPCA’s Andrew Kelly said the main concern is the potential impact of “low frequency noise” from the turbines on the animals.

We are concerned about the impact of the turbines and the associated low-frequency noise on the animals’ rehabilitation at the centre.

“We are most especially concerned about the equines and dogs.

“Most of the animals we care for are vulnerable and have been surrendered to, or seized by, our inspectors as a result of being cruelly treated or neglected.”
‘Stress’

Kelly went on to say that while the animals are undergoing veterinary treatment and rehabilitation they may also be immunocompromised – in other words have an impaired immune system – and therefore under unnecessary stress.

“Stressors, such as the low-frequency sound emitted by the turbines, may have a negative effect on these animals and may hinder their recovery,” he added.

He went on to say that there was still no evidence to indicate that wind turbines do not negatively impact the welfare of animals.

Until there is incontrovertible evidence that wind turbines do not have any effect on the welfare of equines, dogs and cats, the ISPCA believes that the precautionary principle should be applied and the application for the Derryadd Wind Farm should be refused.

“No such evidence currently exists and the lack of evidence with regard to negative impacts is not evidence of no impact,” he said.
‘Decarbonisation plans’

Meanwhile, in a statement, Bord na Mona said the development of renewable energy assets was an important part of the company’s and Ireland’s decarbonisation plans.

A spokesperson added: “With regard to the location of these renewable energy projects, Bord na Mona complies with all relevant legislation and regulations and submits extremely detailed plans regarding the development to the relevant planning authority.”
The company went on to say that it also engaged closely with local communities.

The purpose of this – the spokesperson said – was to “ensure”, in the first instance, that communities were aware of the company’s plans for a particular project and thereafter to engage on “a two-way basis” in relation to concerns and the potential benefits from the proposed development.

This allows for the main emphasis to be placed on contiguous communities and the community engagement process.

The spokesperson continued: “The process currently includes door-to-door house calls in the vicinity of the proposed development; public information / consultation events; follow-up meetings on individual or group basis if requested; and the community engagement forum.

“We also include site visits to Bord na Mona’s flagship Mount Lucas Wind Farm, project newsletters and project-update clinics,” he said.