March 6, 2021
Ireland

Whitmore submits observation on West Wicklow wind farm application

Wicklow News | wicklownews.net

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore has submitted an observation to Wicklow County Council this week highlighting concerns in relation to an application for the development of a wind farm in West Wicklow. ABO Wind has submitted a planning application to develop a number of wind turbines near Baltinglass affecting the townlands of Kilranelagh, Colvinstown Upper and Boleycarrigeen.

Deputy Whitmore outlined in her submission:

“The archaeological quality of the area is vulnerable to large scale development and can be easily compromised. Kilranelagh Hill is an integral part of one of Ireland’s most unique and ancient landscapes, the Baltinglass Hillfort Complex. Given the reference to this area in the County Development Plan, the potential for further excavation and other archaeological finds as well as the lack of sufficient reference to the Hillfort Complex as a whole, I believe much greater consideration of this context must be given by the Council.

“There are also broader environmental and ecological concerns associated with this type of development. Kilranelagh is a refuge for flora and fauna and in close proximity to numerous of rivers and streams. According to local community groups and residents, buzzards and peregrines are a daily sight over Kilranelagh and curlews have nested there recently. I would have concerns that if development is not carried out sustainably with the full environmental impact considered, this could have negative impacts on the archaeological value of the area.

“Furthermore, potential for sustainable tourism as well as educational and economic benefits from the archaeological value of Hill Fort area (including Kilranelagh) has not been fully appreciated to date. In absence of this I would urge the Council to proceed with caution in relation to this development until the full potential of the area has been considered and until it has been confirmed that any large- scale development would not compromise the culture heritage of this area” concludes Whitmore.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2021/03/06/whitmore-submits-observation-on-west-wicklow-wind-farm-application/