Information sought over impact of wind farms on communities

COUNCILLORS have unanimously agreed to write to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to seek a full report on the impact of wind turbines on communities.

It comes amid huge concern in the Coolcappa area over plans for a wind farm near the village, with the firm behind it confirming plans to submit a planning application for the project shortly.

An action group has been formed locally in response to the proposals and members were present in the gallery as councillors debated the impact of wind energy generators.

Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary called for Mr Donnelly to provide information on the likely impacts of a wind farm on adjacent residents, levels of noise, damage to residential amenity and shadow flicker.

In simple terms, shadow flicker occurs when the sun is low enough in the sky - in evenings and mornings - that wind turbines pass across it causing a brief shadow over landscapes and buildings every few seconds.

Ballykinsky Green Energy has previously said that as part of its plans for six wind turbines near Coolcappa, special technology will be put in place to prevent this occurring.

But Cllr Keary said there is a lack of knowledge among the general population on the health impacts of wind farms.

“I’m not satisfied that we have been educated on the health implications which may be associated with wind farms. I couldn’t say yay or nay if they are good or bad without knowing definitively if there are health implications,” he said. “We need to get clarity on it.”

The Adare-Rathkeale councillor praised the efforts of the Coolcappa community action groups.

His party colleague, Cllr Adam Teskey, who is the leader of the district, highlighted the fact the council is currently carrying out a noise assessment of areas as part of a wider environmental survey it’s doing.

“Within that survey there are points across Limerick where they evaluate on noise pollution and the levels of noise in terms of decibels. We have this infrastructure, so let’s carry out a baseline data survey of Coolcappa as it stands at the present. Let’s get that information together and carry out the same survey on a wind farm similar to what is proposed in Coolcappa,” he suggested.

He did express concern at the number of planning applications for wind farms, especially given the fact planning guidelines for these have not been updated for 20 years.

“The erratic, sporadic erection of wind farms is to me lacking any prudence of future planning,” Cllr Teskey added.

It was a concern also shared by Independent councillor John O’Donoghue.

He proposed a motion to stop all wind farm developments in Limerick until the guidelines are updated.

However, doing this would require a change to the development plan and the motion fell.

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Raheen-based councillor Daniel Butler pointed out the World Health Organisation has identified noise as a growing issue.

He outlined how it can cause sleep disturbance, and have a damaging impact on people’s concentration in school and work.

“It has impacts particularly for young children, the elderly and chronically ill.

“Being at the meeting and hearing a young baby in the audience really brought home the reality and the potential impact this could have on the most vulnerable people in the area,” he said.