Kilkenny Council Urges Refusal of Major Wind Farm Project

UPDATE: Kilkenny County Council has just recommended that An Coimisiún Pleanála refuse planning permission for the controversial Ballyfasy Wind Farm in South Kilkenny. The urgent meeting last week at County Hall revealed significant concerns over the proposed development, which aims to erect 10 wind turbines with a total capacity of between 57 MW and 72 MW.

The Ballyfasy Wind Farm, located in multiple townlands including Bishopsmountain and Ballymartin, has sparked fierce debate due to its potential impact on local residents and the environment. Council planner Niall Sheehan outlined the rationale for the refusal, emphasizing issues ranging from noise pollution to significant visual impacts within a 5-kilometer radius of the site.

Residents have expressed deep concerns about the possibility of shadow flicker from the turbine blades affecting nearby homes. The council’s analysis indicated that the visual presence of the turbines would likely exceed what was originally suggested, leading to fears that they would “dominate the whole skyline.”

Local council members, including Cllr Tomás Breathnach, have taken a firm stance against the project, stating that the current concentration of wind turbines in the area is already too high. Cllr Breathnach’s proposal to reject the project was supported unanimously by his colleagues, who voiced their belief that existing wind energy guidelines are outdated and fail to consider local community interests.

The council’s recommendation will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála, which will make the final decision by July 2023. This ruling is critical, as the proposed development is classified as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID), meaning it surpasses the statutory threshold for wind farms and requires direct oversight from the national planning authority.

Despite the council’s push against the wind farm, the developers, Manogate Ltd, argue that the project is essential for Ireland’s transition from fossil fuels. They maintain that it aligns with the Kilkenny County Development Plan. However, the council has flagged inconsistencies between this plan and evolving national energy policies aimed at enhancing renewable energy sources.

As the situation develops, the local community remains on high alert. With strong sentiments against the wind farm, residents are poised to continue vocalizing their concerns as An Coimisiún Pleanála moves toward its final decision.

Stay tuned for more updates as this critical issue unfolds in Kilkenny.