May 30, 2021
Ireland

Growing opposition to 150-metre wind turbine in county

By Ciara McCaughley | Roscommon Herald | Saturday, May 29, 2021 | roscommonherald.ie

The proposed development of a 150-metre wind turbine close to Knockcroghery has been strongly condemned by enraged local residents.

Residents of Kilcash, Farbreagues and other surrounding communities in the Knockcroghery area are appalled by “the blatant disregard of their homes and community” by the company behind the proposal. United in their opposition to the planning application, residents in the area have come together to form the Kilcash Wind Turbine Action Group.

Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd applied to Roscommon County Council on April 30th for planning permission for the construction of one 4.2 MW wind turbine with an overall tip height of up to 150m; the construction of the wind turbine foundation, hard standing and assembly area; provision of a site entrance and an access track within the site; construction of an on-site 20kV substation and underground electrical cable; all associated site development and ancillary works at Kilcash, close to the village of Knococroghery. The council is due to make a decision on the application on June 24th and the closing date for submissions is June 3rd.

Homes close to the turbine’s proposed location were not included in the consultation process prior to the planning application being submitted to Roscommon County Council, the group claims.

“This is not an area in the middle of nowhere, it is a highly populated area with family homes very close to the proposed wind turbines. The planning states it will be 150 metres high. That’s 30 metres higher than The Spire on O’Connell Street in Dublin. There has been no consultation or communication with any community group. Two wind turbines are already in place on Skrine Hill. This new turbine will be even taller, creating more issues for the health and well-being of the families in this area,” said a spokesperson for the action group.

Kilcash Wind Turbine Action Group has real concerns that the planned development would have a negative impact on the area, which has flourished in recent times.

“Six scenic views identified by Roscommon County Council are in this area and will be greatly impacted by this turbine. These same views have kept generations of families in this community as well as bringing many more to build new lives. This community has seen significant growth in the recent past, with new homes being built and the local school has been enlarged to cater for the growing families.

“Wind turbine developments have driven families in other locations from their homes. Kilcash, Farbreagues and the surrounding communities must not let this happen and we are calling on the wider Roscommon community and beyond to lend their support. Help us protect our homes, landscape and well-being,” the group has urged, appealing for people to sign an online petition opposing the planning application.