Residents Rally Against Wind Farm Projects in County Limerick

Local residents have formed two action groups in County Limerick to oppose proposed wind farm projects, citing concerns over their significant size and potential impact. The first group, the Bruff Dromin Athlacca–Ballinlee Community Action Group, is focused on a planned wind farm with 17 turbines, each reaching a height of 160 metres. This height is notably three times taller than the spire of the nearby Kilmallock Church, which stands at 55 metres.

In close proximity, another group has emerged—the Bruree, Charleville, Effin Wind Farm Action Group. They oppose a different proposal for a wind farm featuring nine turbines that would stand at an even greater height of 170 metres. This project is set to be developed in the townlands of Garrane, Ballynagoul, and Creggane. A planning application has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála, with a deadline for public observations and submissions set for October 10, 2023.

Both wind farm proposals are connected through their parent company, Greensource. Residents have expressed serious concerns regarding the potential consequences of these developments. The Bruree, Charleville, Effin group has highlighted issues such as noise and vibration, shadow flicker, and visual impacts on local landscapes. They also raise alarms about health implications and property devaluation, arguing that the turbines could significantly affect the quality of life for residents.

A spokesperson for the action group emphasized the scale of the proposed turbines: “The total height of the turbines proposed is 170 metres, with a blade diameter of 150 metres. To put this in perspective, Croke Park pitch is 145 metres long—at least 25 metres shorter than the turbines.” They further stated that the proposed structures would not be easily concealed, stating, “If you think nine of these skyscraper-size structures will be hidden away, please reconsider.”

The group has initiated a petition to demand a public meeting with the developers, seeking transparency regarding the project’s history, potential impacts, and future plans. The spokesperson mentioned, “If the developers truly believe in the benefits to the community, there should be no issue in communicating this in whatever format the community requests.” They criticized a brochure from Garrane Green Energy that promotes a “Community Benefit Fund” without adequately defining who the community encompasses.

In response to the residents’ concerns, a representative from Garrane Green Energy stated that the project aims to support national climate targets, which include a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The spokesperson indicated that this wind farm could provide clean energy for approximately 30,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by 46,500 tonnes annually.

According to Garrane Green Energy, the proposed project is expected to generate around €250,000 each year for local residents and initiatives through the Community Benefit Fund. The spokesperson highlighted ongoing community engagement efforts, which have included distributing project information to homes within 2 km of the site and hosting community clinics in the Charleville Park Hotel.

The planning application for the Garrane Green Energy wind farm was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in August, with the company asserting a commitment to meaningful community interaction as the project progresses.