Buddhist retreat centre objects to Clare wind farm 

Plans to construct an 11-turbine 72MW wind farm in the ’12 O’Clock hills’ in south east Clare pose a significant threat to ‘a peaceful haven’ at a silent Buddhist retreat centre, objectors claim.

Earlier this year, Ørsted Onshore Ireland Midco Ltd lodges plans direct to An Bord Pleanála for the 11 turbine 590 feet tip high Oatfield wind-farm on a site 9km north of Limerick city and 4.7km from Sixmilebridge

Now, in response, the 12 O’Clock Hills Community Group that includes the Sunyata Buddhist Retreat Centre at Snaty, Sixmilebridge, has lodged an objection.

The objection states that the Sunyata Buddhist Retreat Centre is renowned nationally and internationally for hosting retreats that attract thousands annually.

It states that the buddhist centre serves “as a vital silent retreat centre for mindfulness and meditation and plays a significant role in the community by providing a tranquil sanctuary for individuals seeking spiritual and personal growth”.

The objection states that “the potential disruption from the proposed wind farm development, through un-natural noise or visual disturbance, poses a significant threat to Sunyata’s ability to offer a peaceful haven”.

The objection adds that “protecting Sunyata’s operations and the serene environment it is part of is crucial to ensuring that it remains unaffected by developments that could compromise its ability to serve as a refuge for growth and self-discovery”.

The objection contends that “for those familiar with the 12 O’ Clock Hills, it is evident that introducing large industrial structures would be in stark contrast to the established development trajectory that values harmony, natural beauty, and community well-being”.

Commercial semi-state agency, AirNav Ireland and Shannon airport are also objecting to the wind farm. The two have also objected to a nearby Ballycar wind farm in south east Clare.

AirNav Ireland Airspace and Navigation Manager, Cathal Mac Criostail has told the appeals board that AirNav “objects to this development proceeding”.

Safety Compliance and Environment Manager at Shannon airport, Paul Hennessy said that Shannon Airport shared the “serious concerns of AirNav Ireland and also objects to this development proceeding”.

Principal of Broadford & Kilbane National School, Aonghus O’Brien said that he has concerns about the impact the wind farm will have on the school.

He has told An Bord Pleanála in a submission: “We are genuinely worried that both flicker and noise will negatively impact the children in our school who present with sensory difficulties.”

A spokeswoman for Ørsted said today: “Ørsted seeks to be good neighbours in the communities in which we develop and operate projects. We are committed to respecting the rights of local communities to voice their concerns, and to engage in dialogue.”

She said that in relation to the Oatfield wind farm, Ørsted is currently “preparing responses to the themes of the submissions, and this will be provided to An Bord Pleanála in line with the planning process”.

The spokeswoman said that the project will provide a Community Benefit Fund for the nearby community where for every megawatt hour the wind farm produces, €2 is contributed to the fund.

She said that for example, a 50 MW project would provide approximately €280,000 per annum to the community benefit fund.