Second packed meeting over plan for 17-turbine wind farm in Limerick

THERE was standing room only at a second public meeting organised by Bruff Dromin Athlacca-Ballinlee Community Action Group against a planned “huge 17-turbine project” in their south Limerick locality.

“Sixteen of the turbines are proposed to have a tip height of 160 metres - that’s three times the height of Kilmallock Church spire (55m) and 40 metres taller than Dublin’s Spire. The rotor diameter alone will be 136 metres — almost the length of Croke Park.

"It’s astonishing how big these things are. When the current 2006 guidelines were published, turbines were a third of the size they are today,” said a spokesperson for the group.

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Concerns over noise nuisance, shadow flicker, vibration and “severe intrusion on the visual amenity of the immediate and surrounding areas including Lough Gur” have all been raised.

There were a large number of politicians at the packed meeting in Dromin including Minister of State Niall Collins, Deputy Richard O’Donoghue, Cllr Greg Conway on behalf of Minister Patrick O’Donovan, councillors Noreen Stokes, John O’Donoghue and Eddie Ryan.

Mr Collins told the meeting, “I wouldn’t like a wind farm turbine near my home”, The minister of state suggested offshore development via the Port of Foynes was a better alternative and confirmed a new Marine Area Resource Planning (MARA) body is being established to oversee offshore projects.

Hundreds have signed a petition requesting for a change to the Limerick Development Plan that has designated their locality as one of the “preferred areas” for wind farms. 

“I share your concerns,” Mr Collins told the meeting and promised to “bring the matter back to my party”.

Ballinlee Green Energy are progressing plans for the wind farm. A parent company - Greensource -  is proposing multiple wind farm developments across County Limerick including between Charleville and Bruree (Garrane Green Energy) and Coolcappa (Ballynisky Green Energy).

Bruff Dromin Athlacca-Ballinlee committee member Marie-Clare Power told attendees the number of impacted houses within 2km was expected to be well over 400. 

“Some houses will be as close as 640 metres, this is based on the draft 2019 guidelines. Current wind energy guidelines are 20 years old with a minimum setback distance of 500m from homes. 

“This project is not about building lasting community partnerships as claimed by Greensource, this is a financial development that will industrialise our community for generations to come,” said Ms Power.

The action group stressed “this is not a done deal, the plans have not been officially launched”. 

“The proposed development is in pre-planning stage with An Coimisiún Pleanála - this decision will be made in Dublin. We strongly encourage everyone to make a personal submission opposing the project. We are planning further community meetings in the form of a workshop to guide people on how to make submissions,” said a spokesperson. 

Deputy Richard O’Donoghue TD said: “We have been standing firm for two years with the Coolcappa group, who are also challenging another Greensource windfarm in their locality”. 

Cllr John O’Donoghue said: “No wind farm development should proceed until new guidelines are produced.”