Limerick wind farm plans linked to scrapped health guidance

A GROUP formed to oppose controversial wind farm plans in Limerick has raised concerns about developers relying on public health guidance that has been withdrawn.

Ballynisky Green Energy is seeking planning permission to construct six wind turbines with an overall height of 158 metres near Coolcappa village.

But the local community action group has seized on confirmation from the HSE that its 2017 views on wind farms - which the developer uses to support its application - have been pulled.

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This guidance is from a position paper on wind turbines and public health.

It claimed that evidence of negative health impacts into the development of wind farms was “weak or absent”.

However, in response to a parliamentary question lodged by local TD and Minister of State Niall Collins, Dr Éamonn O’Moore, a director at the HSE’s National Health Protection Office confirmed the 2017 paper is no longer valid.

“In the intervening time, the context has changed, and evidence-base has been developed further,” he wrote.

Now, the Coolcappa Community Action Group has written to the consultants appointed by Ballynisky Green Energy to request a fresh public health assessment on wind farms.

“There are over 20 primary school-going children living within 1km of the proposed development. Seventeen of these attend Coolcappa National School, just 750 metres from the site. It is a fact children are especially vulnerable to noise and we all have a duty to protect their health and wellbeing,” a spokesperson for the group said.

For its part, Ballynisky Green Energy say the project complies with national noise regulations and guidelines.

Noise levels from the turbines, the firm say, will be within legal limits and actively monitored to ensure compliance.

Niall Collins joined Adare-Rathkeale councillors Gerard Ward and Bridie Collins in writing to council expressing concerns over the wind farm.

They pointed to the location of the site in relation to Coolcappa Community Hall, the school, the church, St Kieran’s GAA Club and Newcastle West Golf Club.

“These facilities are central to the life and wellbeing of the surrounding rural community. Having engaged extensively with the local group, we are satisfied their concerns are both genuine and evidence based,” the trio stated.

They were among over 410 groups and individuals, who made representations.

Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Independent Ireland TD Richard O’Donoghue have also written to council as has Sinn Fein Senator Joanne Collins.

Local councillors John O’Donoghue, Tommy Hartigan and Adam Teskey have done likewise.

Council has extended the decision date on the plans to March 27.

A Ballynisky spokesperson said: “We await the council’s determination, and we appreciate the time and consideration given to the application and the submissions received.”