Urgent Call for Public Meeting on Kilkenny Wind Farm Project

URGENT UPDATE: Sinn Féin TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Natasha Newsome Drennan, has demanded an immediate public meeting regarding the controversial Ballyfasy wind turbine project near Mullinavat. This comes after significant community concerns about inadequate local consultation emerged, following a recent engagement clinic that required prior bookings and was held in Marine Point, approximately 20 minutes away from the town.

Local residents voiced frustrations over the consultation process, which Deputy Newsome Drennan stated fails to meet the expected standards for such a large-scale development. “The development of a wind farm is a significant undertaking that will shape the local landscape and community for decades to come,” she emphasized. “It is vital that the consultation process is not only thorough but also genuinely accessible and transparent for all residents.”

The proposed wind farm plans to install 10 turbines and aims to power approximately 40,000 homes with renewable energy. Yet, the distance of the previous consultation event from the community has left many feeling excluded. “By opting for a private, appointment-only model of consultation held outside the community, it has only raised more concerns,” Deputy Newsome Drennan stated. Many older residents felt particularly marginalized by the lack of access to vital information.

The Ballyfasy Wind Farm website asserts that construction will occur at least 720 metres from any habitable dwellings, but Deputy Newsome Drennan is advocating for greater transparency and engagement with local residents. In her push for immediate action, she stated, “I have written to FuturEnergy Ireland, urging them to schedule a public meeting as a matter of urgency. The community deserves to have their voice heard directly.”

As this situation develops, the call for an inclusive public forum is gaining traction. Community members are eager for a platform where they can ask questions and provide meaningful input about the plans that will affect their home. The urgency of this demand reflects not just a need for information, but the community’s desire for involvement in shaping their future.

What’s next? Residents and local officials are closely monitoring the response from FuturEnergy Ireland. A public meeting, if organized, could serve as a critical turning point for community engagement in this major project.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and how it impacts the local community.