December 9, 2020
Ireland

Over 200 sign petition against wind plan

Máiréad sheehy | The Kerryman | December 09 2020 | www.independent.ie

Opposition is growing towards a windfarm proposed for the Ballinagare area between Lixnaw and Ballyduff in North Kerry.

EMPower is proposing to build a 10-turbine wind farm to be erected 2.5km southeast of Ballyduff village, generating enough electricity to power 33,000 homes.

This proposal has prompted concern locally, with many fearing for the negative health and noise implications these structures could have.

Locals are also worried about what they fear will be the damage it could wreak on the bogland and its flora and fauna.

Opposition group ‘Stop the Ballinagare Wind Farm’ has already attracted close to 300 members online.

The group has also created a petition for Dáil Eireann, opposing the development of the turbines, with over 200 signatures to date.

EMPower hosted an online webinar event last Thursday to discuss issues surrounding the development with locals in the Lixnaw/Ballyduff area.

However, many who joined the webinar with concerns over the plan felt the meeting did not offer them an opportunity to raise concerns, with several questions remaining unanswered.

EMPower is promising to provide an annual payment of €1,000 to each household within 1km of any Ballinagare Wind Farm turbine and an annual payment of €500 to each household located between 1km and 1.5km of a turbine.

It’s thought that over 20 homes exist within 1km of proposed turbines.

The company has also promised to donate money to clubs and services in Ballyduff and Lixnaw.

The Kerryman understands more people in the greater area feel the plan could have a serious impact on wildlife in the area, including on populations of protected species such as swans, buzzards, hen harriers and jack snipes.

Many have also raised the issue of the placement of windfarms on a bog area citing previous landslide disasters associated with windfarm development both in Kerry and up country in recent years.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/12/09/over-200-sign-petition-against-wind-plan/