Wind Power News: Ireland
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Derrybrien wind farm racks up €5m in daily EU fines
A daily fine of €15 thousand levied on Derrybrien wind farm in South Galway by the EU has now resulted in penalties of more than €5m. The fine was imposed last year due to a failure by the Irish state to carry out an appropriate environmental impact assessment during the construction stage. In November, the European Court of Justice imposed a €5m penalty on the state in relation to the construction of Derrybrien Windfarm in South Galway. The case centred . . . Complete story »
Delvin, Raharney and Ballivor ‘will not accept industrial turbines’
The Delvin, Raharney, Ballivor (DRB) Wind Action Group have called on Westmeath County Council to reject an application by Bracklyn Wind Farm to build a 100m high meteorological mast. The mast is part of the testing programme for two wind farms planned for the area, by two separate companies, Galetech Energy and Bord na Mona. If approved, the plans would mean the installation of 37 “monster” industrial wind turbines of up to 200m in height – which opposition groups claim . . . Complete story »
Locals concerned over potential Meelick windfarm
Residents of Meelick have raised concern over the possible construction of a windfarm stretching from Ballycar to Cappantymore and on to Gallows Hill. The proposed windfarm, which is yet to go to planning is expected to include a number of windmills positioned strategically across five landowners’ farms. Local objectors, who have come together to form a community action group called, ‘Meelick Says No To Windfarm’ are deeply perturbed by the potential health and environmental effects that could occur as a . . . Complete story »
SSE and Coilte explore new €80m wind farm
Coillte Renewable Energy and SSE Renewables are jointly exploring a 72-megawatt (MW) renewable energy project at Gortyrahilly, Co Cork, which could involve an investment of over €80m. The project, a proposed wind farm that could range from 60MW to 72MW depending on final turbine selection, is intended to comprise approximately 12 wind turbines and could generate enough renewable energy to power up to 48,000 homes. Sources within the wind farm development industry said such a project generating 72MW could involve . . . Complete story »
Wind farm developers say revived project has fewer turbines and new layout
An ecologist has been working in South Roscommon for the last two years to gather environmental data in relation to plans for a €100 million wind farm, a spokesperson for the developers has confirmed. The news comes as An Bord Pleanála is due to decide whether or not the massive 21-turbine wind farm proposed for an area between Dysart, Brideswell and Taughmaconnell can be treated as Strategic Infrastructure Development during the planning process by October 12 next. If judged of . . . Complete story »
Plans for 12-turbine windfarm north of Listowel
A windfarm company has been told it must apply directly to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission to erect 12 150m-high turbines on peatland between Listowel and Ballylongford as the proposed development would constitute a strategic infrastructure development. An Bord Pleanála ruled that the Shronowen Wind Farm plan – with a power output of 50.4MW and slated for the townlands of Tullamore, Ballyline West, Dromlivaun and Coolkeragh – ‘constitutes development that falls within the definition of energy infrastructure’ due to its . . . Complete story »
Energy trail idea is branded ‘shocking’
People concerned about the proliferation of wind farms in North Kerry and the impact of the giant structures on tourism say they have been left deeply upset by Fáilte Ireland’s submission to the County Development Plan – for a special ‘Energy Trail’ in the region. In its submission to Kerry County Council’s draft County Development Plan (CDP) 2022-2028, Fáilte Ireland stated the Authority should develop a ‘Renewable Energy Trail in North Kerry’. The region shoulders the majority of the renewable . . . Complete story »
Opposition continues as planning for wind farm to be lodged
Locals have expressed opposition to revised plans for a proposed wind farm at Kilranelagh near Baltinglass. ABO Wind Ireland Ltd said it intends to apply to Wicklow County Council for planning permission in the next month to construct a proposed five turbine wind farm at Kilranelagh Hill. The company’s plan for the wind farm has faced local opposition since it was announced in January. Many of the concerns have centred around the possible impact of the development on the archaeology . . . Complete story »
Electricity customers to be hit with price rises tomorrow
Electricity bills are to rise by almost €90 a year from tomorrow for more than one million households. This is because consumers are set to be hit by a double whammy of price increases from the largest supplier and a rise on the levy on all household electricity bills on the same day. Both Electric Ireland and PrepayPower are raising their prices, while the public service obligation (PSO) levy that supports the generation of electricity from wind power is set . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines versus tourism: Battle lines drawn ahead of Kerry Development Plan
Wind energy is set to become a major battleground in the new Kerry County Development Plan. The subject has attracted more submissions than any other issues in the first public consultation for the development plan, with tourist bodies saying big turbines are not compatible with the county’s main industry, tourism. Dozens of individual submissions, from East and north Kerry, are questioning the benefit to Kerry of wind energy and say the north of the county, which was opened up to . . . Complete story »
