Minister writes to planners over controversial wind farm project for Limerick

PLANS for a new wind farm near Coolcappa village are back on the table, with a senior government minister having his say on them.

Ballynisky Green Energy has confirmed it has resubmitted an application for the project to council planners.

It comes after the first submission was deemed to be incomplete last year.

The firm is seeking permission to construct six wind turbines with an overall height of 158 metres near the village.

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But locals - who have long been campaigning against the proposals - have criticised the timing of the application submission - just days before Christmas.

“In a year when people hoped Santa might leave peace and quiet under the tree, it turned out Coolcappa received something else entirely: another planning application to unwrap,” the community action group wrote in a statement.
It’s meant should any residents wish to write to council with concerns, they only have until next Thursday, January 22.

As of this Tuesday, just two people had written to council.

In that number is Communications Minister and local TD Patrick O’Donovan.

He wrote locals are worried about the impact of the wind farm, pointing to set-back distance, noise, engagement with the community through the process, traffic, grid capacity and shadow flicker.

Shadow flicker takes place when the sun is low enough in the sky - in evenings and mornings - that wind turbines pass across it, causing a brief shadow of landscapes and buildings every few seconds.

For its part, Ballynisky Green Energy has said the turbines are designed with technology which will minimise this.

In a statement, the firm said residents are encouraged to discuss the project with a dedicated community liaison officer via telephone at 061-975200, or www.ballyniskygreenenergy.ie.