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.
Plans officially lodged for huge wind turbines in Offaly countryside
A 30-year plan for wind energy production in Offaly and Kildare has been officially lodged with local authorities in both counties. The Offaly Express reported the intention of the company to submit such plans back in late October. Cloncant Renewable Energy Ltd, for which energy giant Statkraft Ireland Ltd is the majority shareholder, has lodged plans with the councils for the immediate construction of nine turbines, eight of which would be located in Offaly. The other turbine would be located . . . Complete story »
Local campaigners welcome judgment on Galway windfarm
On a bright, breezy day in south Galway, most of the 70 turbines were constantly rotating at the Derrybrien wind farm yesterday afternoon. The development is located around 20km away from Gort, on the Slieve Aughty mountains. Built and operated by a subsidiary company owned by the ESB, it has been the source of controversy since it was first mooted over two decades ago. Concerns were heightened during construction in October 2003 when a massive landslide occurred, pushing thousands of . . . Complete story »
Derrybrien wind farm case shows ‘abject failure’ by Government
The Government has been heavily criticised for not adhering to a 2008 ruling from the European Court of Justice, which has resulted in a judgement against the state in the amount to €5 million. The Environmental pillar, a coalition of environmental groups, said that it welcomed the decision by the court of justice, and that the ruling indicates an “abject failure” on the part of Government. The judgement, announced today, Tuesday, November 12, relates to Derrybrien wind farm in south . . . Complete story »
€5m gearrtha ar Éirinn ag Cúirt Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh mar ní dhearna an stát measúnú timpeallachta ar fheirm ghaoithe
[EU Court of Justice fines Ireland €5m for not performing environmental assessment on wind farm – The state will have to pay and additional €15,000 a day until they carry out their obligation regarding the wind farm in south Co Galway.] Tá fíneáil €5m gearrtha ar an stát mar gheall ar nach ndearna siad measúnú ar an tionchar a bheadh ag feirm ghaoithe i ndeisceart Chontae na Gaillimhe ar an timpeallacht ansin. Agus gearrfear €15,000 sa mbreis ar an tír go . . . Complete story »
Ireland fined €5m plus daily penalty of €15,000 over landslides at Galway wind farm
The EU’s Court of Justice has fined the State €5m over its failure to comply with EU legislation that might have prevented landslides linked to the construction of a wind farm in the west of Ireland in 2003. The penalty is set to increase further as EU’s top court set an additional daily fine of €15,000 until the Government achieves compliance with environmental legislation on assessing the impact of the wind farm Derrybrien, Co Galway. The fine is due to . . . Complete story »
Concern at move to cut coastline up into ‘zones’
The country’s coastline is to be split into zones to give preference to offshore wind farms in designated areas. The move is likely to raise concerns in the energy industry that zoning will restrict their ambitions, while also worrying communities in designated zones that clustering will lead to over-development. How exactly the zones will be decided is to be detailed in legislation currently being drafted, but the principle of designated zones is set out in a new policy document which . . . Complete story »
Ireland fined €5m plus penalties over Co Galway wind farm
The State has been fined €5m over its failure to assess the environmental impact of a wind farm in south Co Galway. Further penalties of €15,000 a day will be imposed until Ireland complies with a 2008 instruction to properly examine the consequences of the 70-turbine development. The Court of Justice of the European Union rejected arguments put forward by the State over its failures in relation to the Derrybrien Wind Farm. In a ruling delivered this morning, the court . . . Complete story »
Fishermen unite to resist vast windfarm
A licence application to survey the Waterford coastline for the world’s largest offshore windfarm has caused fears among fishing and tourism sectors, writes Ellie O’Byrne. Foreshore survey licence applications for three windfarms, including the largest offshore windfarm in the world, are ruffling feathers in Co Waterford. In particular, an application by energy company Energia Renewables, formerly Viridian, to conduct feasibility surveys for turbines along the coast from Helvick Head to beyond Dunmore East is generating concern due to the size . . . Complete story »
Delegation to Leitrim County Council calls for moratorium on wind farm developments
A delegation from, Wind Aware Dromahair, gave a special presentation to members of Leitrim County Council on Monday, November 4, calling on members to support a complete moratorium on wind farm developments until regulations are updated. The council executive absented themselves for the duration of the presentation because of their role in planning matters in the county and, in particular, because the presentation focuses on concerns over a development which is proposed for North Leitrim and will be subject to . . . Complete story »
Bottlehill wind farm deemed of ‘economic and social importance’ by planning board
A company and Government business behind a proposed 22-wind turbine development in Bottlehill have been given a huge boost after An Bord Pleanála deemed the project to be of “strategic importance” to the State. The move may pave the way for the project on a site 23km from Cork city – situated approximately halfway between Blarney and Mallow at Glannasack – to go ahead. The output from the farm is expected to supply energy to over 70,000 homes. The planning . . . Complete story »
