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Wind Power News: Ireland
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort 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.
Council secures court order prohibiting further development at wind farm where bog slide occurred
Donegal County Council has secured a High Court order prohibiting further development of a wind farm at a site that was the subject of a large bog slide that had “significant environmental consequences”. Mr Justice David Holland’s order restrains Planree Limited and Mid-Cork Electrical from finishing their “largely complete” 19-turbine project on primarily blanket bog in Cashelnavean, Co Donegal, until further court order. The development entities can apply to vary or discharge the order, which came in enforcement proceedings issued . . . Complete story »
Councillors raise concerns over proposed Coolcappa wind-farm
Concerns were raised with Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) this week regarding the health effects for local communities from wind turbines as a protest took place outside over a proposed wind-farm in Coolcappa. Over 20 residents from the West Limerick village protested at the Dooradoyle chamber before Monday’s meeting with placards reading ‘Protect Our Future Generation’, ‘560 Metres is Too Close For Kids To Grow Up Beside’, and ‘Wind Turbines Putting Wealth Before Health’. The protesters said they are . . . Complete story »
Landmark wind turbine noise ruling from High Court referred to attorney general
The attorney general is studying a landmark High Court ruling on noise from wind turbines that could have implications for the operation of existing and future wind farms. Officials from two Government departments, Housing and Environment, have joined the chief law officer in examining the judgement. Wind Energy Ireland, which represents most wind farm owners in the country, also has experts scrutinising it. The ruling found that turbine noise – even if within planning regulation limits – could be categorised . . . Complete story »
Wind farm noise constituted nuisance to nearby residents, High Court rules
A High Court judge has found that wind farm noise levels at certain times of the day constitute a nuisance to nearby residents. [download the judgement] In a decision that is understood to have implications for the operation of wind turbines, Ms Justice Emily Egan held that noise levels from the two-turbine Ballyduff Windfarm at Kilcomb, near Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, amounted to an “unreasonable interference” with the enjoyment of two couples’ properties. The cases are the first private nuisance claims . . . Complete story »
Government opposes Derrybrien wind farm bill at second stage in Seanad
Legislation aimed at rescuing the troubled Derrybrien wind farm in Co Galway from being dismantled was rejected by Senators in the Seanad this week. The special measures in the public interest (Derrybrien wind farm) bill 2023, introduced last year, aimed to prevent the decommissioning of the multimillion-euro wind farm. The proposed legislation reached its second stage in the Seanad this week. The development, located in southern Galway with its 70 turbines, was once the country’s largest wind farm and has . . . Complete story »
Clarity needed on recycling wind turbine blades as Minister accepts they are “a challenge”
Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan has called for greater levels of clarity on how the State intends to effectively recycle wind turbine blades. Deputy Nolan was speaking after Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan accepted in a parliamentary reply to her that wind turbine blades “do represent a challenge, as current designs cannot be melted or re-moulded.” The Independent TD had asked Minister Ryan if his Department had issued any guidance on the disposal of . . . Complete story »
Suspicion, distrust, confusion: Why wind farm developments are being delayed
As is often the case with this business, it started as a rumour. A few people in the village of Kilmanagh heard some local farmers had been getting a knock on the door. Inquiries were made to check whether it was true. Most of the farmers who inhabited the rumour were reticent, but one or two had no problem sharing their experience. Yes, there had been an approach to sell or lease land. Yes, it’s another wind farm they’re talking . . . Complete story »
New bird and butterfly survey threatens wind project proposal
Significant additional information, including a new survey on the endangered Marsh Fritillary butterfly, has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála in relation to a planning application for a proposed 26 turbine wind farm in the Ballivor Bog Group. Bord na Mona Powergen Limited is seeking a ten-year planning permission for the wind farm on the Meath/Westmeath border which would be operational for 30 years from the date of commissioning. The application is a strategic infrastructure development (SID) which means it . . . Complete story »
Limerick councillors call for ‘outdated’ wind energy guidelines to be updated
Elected members of the local authority are calling on Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan to revise and update the current “outdated” wind energy development guidelines. A motion which was passed at the most recent full meeting of Limerick City and County Council was submitted due to plans for the development of a wind farm in a West Limerick community. Residents in Coolcappa have fears that they will be subjected to shadow flicker, where the wind turbine propellers cast a consistent . . . Complete story »
Bill would transfer ownership of Derrybrien wind facility to bypass rulings against it
A last ditch attempt to save the ill-fated Derrybrien wind farm was launched in the Seanad on Thursday as a new bill was tabled which could prevent the multi-million euro facility from having to be dismantled. A group of Senators, led by former Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, guided the Special Measures in the Public Interest Derrybrien Wind Farm Bill through its first stage in the Seanad. The Senators are hoping the bill, which seeks to transfer ownership of the . . . Complete story »
