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.
Wind energy storage plan for Cork-Kerry border faces objection
An application for a large battery storage compound near an electricity substation on the Cork-Kerry border is being vigorously opposed by locals, who warn of a historic area being turned into “an industrial minefield”. Battery storage compounds capture surplus energy from wind farms during high winds, releasing it back into the power stations when the turbines are slack. The technology is relatively new in Ireland. The application by Lissarda, Co Cork-based Redfaze Ltd is for up to 40 battery storage . . . Complete story »
Windfarm fears grow in Knockanore
More than 210 people gathered at KCK Community Hall in Knockanore last Thursday night to express their great anxiety about the possibilty of an industrial wind farm being developed in the area. It is understood that the project, if undertaken, would see the development of an industrial windfarm of up to 60 Mega Watts along the ridge of hills either side of the Tallow-Youghal/Pike Road. The meeting was organised by Blackwater Valley Wind Aware, a citizens’ group formed in March . . . Complete story »
“Big Wind” threatens Small Community
More than 210 people gathered on Thursday night the community hall in Knockanore, County Waterford, to express their great anxiety about a massive industrial wind farm development proposed for the area. The meeting was organized by Blackwater Valley Wind Aware, a citizens group formed in March to organize local opposition to the development. Knockanore lies on a scenic route, adjacent to the Blackwater River. The River is protected by local, national and EU environmental legislation as a Special Area of . . . Complete story »
47-turbine Kildare wind farm turned down again by An Bord Pleanála
Controversial plans for a 47 turbine wind farm in Kildare have been refused by An Bord Pleanála. The planning file had been re-opened with An Bord Pleanála after last September’s High Court’s decision to quash the planning board’s decision to refuse it. In October 2016, the planning authority gave it’s verdict on Element Power’s Maighne Wind Farm, which would have provided for 47 turbines up the west side of Kildare and one over the Meath border. The turbines would have . . . Complete story »
Stagg welcomes further rejection of Kildare “monstrous wind farm proposal”
Kildare North Labour General Election Candidate Emmet Stagg has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanala to reject the “monstrous Maighne Wind Farm proposal which sought to provide 47 Wind Turbines up to 169 metres in height in five clusters in North West Kildare. The decision stated Mr. Stagg is the second time An Bord Pleanala have rejected the proposal as the original decision to refuse planning permission was quashed by the High Court last September when the High Court . . . Complete story »
‘It’s made my life hell’: Neighbour on a mission to get farmer’s wind turbine demolished
Damien Rice is in a race against time to get a giant wind turbine – which has no planning permission – demolished. As a bricklayer, the Castlewellan man is usually happier seeing things built but when his neighbour erected a huge turbine close to his home all he has dreamed of is seeing it torn down. Headaches, glare from the sun and noise that disturbs their lives on a daily basis are the main complaints about the 40m structure from . . . Complete story »
Offaly in danger of becoming the wind farm capital of Europe
Responding to the decision by Offaly County Council to grant planning permission for a wind farm at Moanvane, current sitting Laois TD and candidate for Laois-Offaly at the next General Election, Sinn Féin’s Brian Stanley said, “this is a bad decision for Walsh Island and the surrounding area and will have a huge impact on local residents.” “By any standards this is a large-scale development incorporating 12 giant turbines over 500 feet in height. Each turbine is to generate 4 . . . Complete story »
Johnson & Johnson praised as wind is taken out of its Limerick turbine plans
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been praised after the firm withdrew plans for a controversial wind turbine near its Plassey factory. The Limerick Leader this week revealed, following a public outcry, that the firm is to go back to the drawing board, and resubmit plans for the 100m high structure this summer. It came after a meeting between management at the firm, local residents and metropolitan area councillors. One member present, Cllr Marian Hurley, who lives in nearby Annacotty said: . . . Complete story »
No wind farm paper trail as Fáilte Ireland deleted emails
Fáilte Ireland says it had deleted all its former CEO’s emails, confirming there is no paper trail to show how he had handled then-tourism minister Leo Varadkar’s controversial query about a wind farm in Clare that has sparked the ire of Donald Trump. Last month, the Taoiseach drew criticism after he told a Washington lunch he had telephoned Clare County Council about a proposed wind farm near Trump’s Doonbeg-owned hotel. Mr Varadkar subsequently said he was mistaken in his recollection . . . Complete story »
Wind farm objectors’ claims over assessment obligations upheld by European court
The Court of Justice of the EU has upheld arguments by opponents of a wind farm concerning the extent of Coillte’s environmental responsibilities in relation to grid connection works for a wind farm in Co Laois. The objectors case raised important issues concerning the extent of obligations under the EC Habitats Directive. When referring the issues to the CJEU in March 2017, the High Court’s Mr Justice Max Barrett noted the objectors argued the possible extinguishment of the Nore Freshwater . . . Complete story »
