'Rural Ireland will be gone' - Tipperary windfarm could have 'detrimental' impact on Limerick communities
While the turbines would be located in County Tipperary, the development would extend into parts of County Limerick through extensive underground cabling and grid infrastructure works.
Serious concerns have been raised over a proposed wind farm in County Tipperary that councillors say could have a “detrimental” impact on rural Limerick communities.
The issue was discussed at a special meeting of Limerick City and County Council, where councillors considered the Director General’s report on a proposal from Carrow Renewable Energy Ltd for a wind farm consisting of 14 turbines and the associated infrastructure.
The development affects a number of townlands close to the Limerick / Tipperary border.
While the turbines would be located in County Tipperary, the development would extend into parts of County Limerick through extensive underground cabling and grid infrastructure works.
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The Director General’s report, which was circulated to councillors, notes general policy support for renewable energy under the Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028, but highlights serious concerns over the proposed development.
The concerns include inadequate information regarding the grid connection route, constraints within the existing Cappamore road corridor and potential impacts on road safety and maintenance.
The report also highlights ecological and conservation concerns and says the Planning Authority (Limerick City and County Council) is not satisfied that the development is technically feasible as submitted, due to information gaps and potential infrastructural disruption.
During the special meeting, Cappamore-Kilmallock councillor Martin Ryan read a submission on behalf of Doon Community Council, Cappamore Development Association and Boher Development Association outlining their concerns over inadequate information, lack of site-specific design, and impacts on road corridors, infrastructure and future maintenance.
He said an alternative route had not been “robustly looked at”, suggesting the N24 would be a “more direct route”. He added that the current proposal places “an undue burden on local and regional roads.”
Cllr Ryan proceeded to formally propose that the council accept the Director General’s report.
Independent councillor Brigid Teefy seconded the proposal, highlighting impacts on rural housing, saying “one house developments would not be allowed because of difficulty connecting” essential infrastructure, as the road would be too narrow to support both.
She added that the proposed wind farm could impact planned council drainage works.
Cllr Teefy also noted it may also negatively affect farming in the area, saying “cattle passes may be prohibited.”
Supporting his colleagues, Councillor Eddie Ryan said: “If the surface of Cappamore was a blanket and you rolled it back, there simply is nowhere to put this.”
If the surface of Cappamore was a blanket and you rolled it back, there simply is nowhere to put this
He suggested the N24 be considered, as it “has the space and capacity” to facilitate the infrastructure.
Cllr Noreen Stokes said the proposed development would have a “huge, detrimental” effect on the area.
She told the meeting she has spoken with local farmers who “were not aware” the planning application was happening, adding that “no one received letters.”
She said her concerns relate to “future planning ability”, adding that “people don’t understand the impact of cabling” and that “rural Ireland will be gone.”
Cathaoirleach for the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District, Cllr Gregory Conway, said the development would impact the local landscape and communities.
He said tourism and farming are key industries in the area, adding “we are trying to destroy them” with developments such as this.
He said alternatives must be considered, saying the proposal would have an “effect on everything and the future of our communities”, adding “at what cost.”
When asked for comment, Neil O’Brien of Atlantic Infrastructure Renewables said: “Our Carrow wind development is in the planning process, and the authorities and all interested parties are invited to be part of that process.”
“We have proposed a sustainable renewable energy project and expect it will be given a thorough and fair assessment. We do not wish to comment further at this stage.”