Urgent: Newmarket Council Approves Controversial Lithium Battery Farm

UPDATE: In a controversial decision, Cork County Council has just approved a lithium battery farm in the scenic town of Newmarket, prompting immediate backlash from local residents and environmental advocates. The facility, proposed by Neoen Renewables Ireland Limited, is set to operate for a staggering 35 years and will consist of energy storage containers, electrical inverters, and extensive security measures.

The Newmarket Environmental Protection Group is leading the charge against this development, arguing that the facility is “completely unsuitable” for the rural setting. Local spokesperson Maura Cronin O’Connor expressed deep concerns about the impact on the community, stating, “This is the wrong project in the wrong place.” The site is alarmingly close to residential areas, a primary school, a health center, and a nursing home, raising fears about emergency access in case of incidents.

Local opposition has been fierce, with numerous letters against the project submitted to the council, including from now-Minister of State Michael Moynihan. The project has already faced significant resistance since the planning application was first lodged in 2023.

The proposed site is not just any land; it is featured in the best-selling memoir “To School Through the Fields” by Alice Taylor, and lies adjacent to a 1,000-year-old graveyard and just meters from the Dalua River, a designated Blue Flag river. Residents fear that the development will tarnish the historical and environmental significance of the area.

Local councillor John Paul O’Shea voiced his disappointment following the council’s decision, stating that community concerns were not adequately addressed. He emphasized, “We’re not against renewable energy; it’s just the location where this was proposed.”

The Newmarket Environmental Protection Group has scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 8 PM in the Cultúrlann, Newmarket, to update the community and discuss next steps in their fight against the development.

Residents are left grappling with the implications of this decision, which they believe jeopardizes not only their environment but also their quality of life. As the project moves forward, many are calling for a reconsideration of the location and its potential risks.

As developments unfold, the community remains vigilant, determined to advocate for their rural home. The urgency of this situation is palpable, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about renewable energy and its impact on local communities.