Wind farm concerns are highlighted by Limerick residents
“THERE'S a term used for people like me, 'NIMBY: Not in my backyard,' but I think of it as 'next it might be you'”.
These words were spoken by Robert O'Grady, a resident of Ballycannon, an area on the outskirts of Limerick city, who is worried about the proposal of a wind farm, roughly 700 metres from his backyard.
According to a GoFundMe page set up by local lobbyists, Meelick Wind Farm Action Group, the turbines are due to be erected on the Ballycar Hill, between Cappanty and Ballycar, north of Ballycannon, and will be visible from many surrounding areas including; Cratloe, Bunratty, Sixmilebridge, Truagh, Oatfield, Parteen, Ardnacrusha, Shannon and Limerick city.
According to the web page, the size of the turbines are to reach 165 metres each, which is twice the height of St John's Cathedral in Limerick city, and this “will have catastrophic effects on biodiversity in the area and will degrade habitats of wildlife and plants”.
In addition, the group says that the “spinning turbine blades are a threat to flying wildlife such as birds and bats, interfering with flight paths, resulting in death”.
As a concerned resident, and former vegetarian for 32 years, Robert shows his utmost support for sustainability, but believes that on top of the adverse effects that they will bring to wildlife, the effects of the turbine sounds on human development are still unknown and agrees that they belong away from human habitats. “When the amount, size and proximity became apparent I thought it's no place for them,” he stated.
He continued: “it is so imposing, it will make the same noise as background noise.
“We don't know the research on infrasound on humans . . . and it worries me. If they get away with getting this into our small community, there's a precedent set then that you can put them anywhere.”
This Sunday, March 5, from 11am to 4.30pm, will see an information event in Meelick Community Hall organised by the Meelick Wind Farm Action Group for people to come along and understand this community's concerns.