Planning Permission Sought for 32 Wind Turbines in Limerick

Plans are underway to establish three wind farms in rural Limerick, which would collectively feature 32 wind turbines if granted planning permission. The proposals include a six-turbine wind farm in Coolcappa, a larger facility with 17 turbines near Bruff and Dromin-Athlacca, and a nine-turbine project proposed for the townlands of Bruree, Charleville, and Effin.

Residents in the Coolcappa and Bruff areas have until late October to voice their opinions on the developments, while those in Bruree, Charleville, and Effin must submit their feedback by October 10, 2023. The proposed sites in Bruree encompass Garrane, Ballynagoul, and Creggane.

Local opposition is robust, with action groups forming to challenge the proposals. The Coolcappa community group has expressed that they are “facing the fight of its life” against the plans from Ballynisky Green Energy. Similarly, a group opposing the large-scale project in Bruff and Dromin-Athlacca indicated they were “caught off guard” by the scale of the development by Ballinlee Green Energy.

In response, the Bruff Dromin-Athlacca-Ballinlee Action Group has scheduled two workshops to inform residents about the projects and to guide them on how to lodge objections. These events will take place on October 13, 2023, from 18:30 to 21:00 at Bruff GAA Hall, and on October 15, 2023, at Dromin Hall during the same hours.

The application, which is under review by An Coimisiún Pleanála, encompasses a significant area, covering 39 townlands in County Limerick. The proposed development not only includes the installation of turbines but also necessitates the removal of an unspecified number of trees and the construction of a bridge over the Morning Star River.

Community members have scrutinized the application documents and found them to be complex, revealing potentially greater environmental impacts than initially suggested. According to the action group, approximately 500 homes could be affected, with 180 homes located within one kilometre of the proposed sites. They have raised concerns that the turbines, which may reach heights comparable to Kilmallock’s church spire, could significantly disrupt local wildlife and ecosystems.

“This development will substantially harm wildlife and hedgerows, destroy habitats, and have a detrimental impact on ecosystems in the area,” stated a spokesperson for the action group. They argue that the landscape and community will undergo changes far beyond what was initially portrayed to them.

In contrast, Ballinlee Energy maintains that the wind farm will provide clean energy to local homes, schools, and businesses, while also creating jobs in the region. The company asserts that the project will help reduce consumer energy costs and has proposed a community benefit fund of €150,000 per year.

The Coolcappa action group has raised alarms about the potential long-term consequences of the wind farm on the village’s future. A spokesperson noted, “This fight is not just about today. It is about the future of Coolcappa. Imagine your child returning home in years to come, hoping to build a house and raise a family only to be told it cannot happen because the land has been sterilised by the presence of an industrial wind turbine.”

For the smaller wind farm in Coolcappa, planning decisions will be made by Limerick’s local council. The community group has voiced concerns over planning restrictions that may prevent new homes from being built near turbines, raising fears about the village’s viability for future generations.

Ballynisky Green Energy has not yet responded to requests for further comment regarding community concerns. The company had previously indicated a willingness to engage with the Coolcappa Community Action Group, emphasizing their commitment to adhering to national regulations concerning noise during and after construction.

As these developments unfold, local communities remain actively engaged in discussions about the implications of the proposed wind farms, balancing renewable energy needs with community interests and environmental stewardship.