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 are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Mayo wind farm project takes on shades of Corrib controversy
When an ESB and Bord na Móna consortium sought approval for a €600 million onshore wind farm in north Mayo, there was a cautiously positive response to a project with far fewer potential risks than the Corrib gas refinery. But a recent series of protests by a small number of people living close to the site at Bellacorick has highlighted wider concerns about the developers’ approach. “North Mayo has learned the meaning of community – through the gas – but . . . Complete story »
Call for urgent talks with residents over Mayo wind farm project
An appeal has been issued to Bord na Mona and the ESB to talk directly to the residents living near the Oweninny wind farm and accept the principle that those communities living closest to the turbines should receive special benefits. “While the operational fund of €232,000 per annum for community benefit projects is welcome it is a pre- requisite that BnM and ESB accept the principle that those communities living closest to the wind turbines should benefit in a special . . . Complete story »
Bellacorick family living ‘a nightmare’ due to windfarm construction
A family living close to the Oweninny Windfarm construction site in north Mayo have described how they are living a ‘nightmare’ since the contractors started using a road leading to their home. Alan and Eileen Mullarkey from the village of Shranakilla, Bellacorrick, have said the last six months have been ‘torture’ as they have had to deal with large trucks using their access road for the construction of the windfarm. The access road to the village where the Mullarkey family . . . Complete story »
Petition to ban larger wind turbines
Drumkeerin Councillor Mary Bohan is giving her support to the campaign to petition Cóillte to abandon their plans to erect more, even larger wind turbines in the Killavoggy Dromahair Area. These proposed turbines will be up to 165 meters, that is 50% larger than the existing turbines in the area which are 100m in height. Adrienne Diamond who runs Adventure Gently canoe tours with her partner Graham, said families in a 2km radius have been informed by Cóillte that planning . . . Complete story »
€31.5m wind farm for North Kerry
Norway-based renewable energy giant Statkraft has said it plans to begin contruction of a 23.1 megawatt windfarm on the border between Kerry and Limerick this month. The windfarm will be located at Kilathmoy, and the project will consist of seven 3.3 MW Nordex N100 turbines, 100 metres in height. Expected to be fully commissioned late next year, total investment by the company, including purchase and development costs, is expected to amount to around€31.5million. The windfarm is the company’s first in . . . Complete story »
Fresh row brewing over €160m. Mayo wind farm
A fresh row is brewing over the proposed €160 million wind farm at Oweninny, near Crossmolina. Behind the project, set to be one of the biggest in the country, are Bord Na Móna and the ESB and, when completed, will provided power to 50,000 households and help achieve Ireland’s 2020 renewable electricity targets. A legal agreement is in place for promoters, Oweninng Power Limited, to pay €2,500 per megawatt to Mayo County Council to administate a community benefit fund. However, . . . Complete story »
Plans for Kildare wind farm due to be lodged imminently
A group campaigning against a proposed 12-turbine Kildare wind farm said information received from Coillte indicates the planning application is due to be lodged soon. The application will be in the name of Statkraft Ireland Limited, formally owned by Element Power. “Coillte have informed their stakeholders about a proposal ‘to locate 4 turbines and up to 110kv substation and amenity trails at the Dunfierth and Kilmurry Coillte properties as part of a 12 wind turbine development proposal by Statkraft Ireland . . . Complete story »
Bird populations decrease in areas adjacent to wind turbines – UCC study
New research by scientists in Cork has found that Irish bird populations decrease in the areas immediately adjacent to wind turbines. The study found that the main reason appears to be the clearing of habitats during the construction of the wind farms. The researchers say how birds use upland habitats could be impacted into the future as the number of wind turbines increases. The study was led by Dr Darío Fernández-Bellon of the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences . . . Complete story »
Campaign against Kildare wind farm steps up a gear
The Drehid Against Wind Turbines Group has stepped up its campaign against proposals for a wind farm in the area. “We have delivered leaflets to households in the areas involved and the response to this project is a resounding ‘No’,” said a spokesperson. Element Power wants to build a 14-turbine wind farm in the area. In its leaflet Drehid Against Wind Turbines highlights the delay in the new wind energy guidelines. The group also raises concerns about noise, flicker, possible . . . Complete story »
ISPCA chiefs to oppose Co Longford wind farm plans
ISPCA bosses have vowed to vigorously oppose Bord na Móna’s plans to construct a multi million euro wind farm in south Longford on foot of heightening animal welfare concerns. The charity’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Andrew Kelly made the disclosure at a public meeting in Lanesboro on Monday night concerning the proposed 24 strong wind turbine development in nearby Derryadd. Dr Kelly said the sheer scale of the project and proximity of the windfarm to its headquarters in Kenagh had . . . Complete story »
