Tipperary residents enraged by proposed wind and battery farms

Residents of the Thurles surrounding area are opposing a proposed windfarm to be erected in Brittas, and a battery farm in Ballygamene.

Orsted, a Danish energy company, has lodged a planning application to An Bórd Pleanála to put up at least ten 180 metre-high wind turbines in the area, with a further application put forward for a ten acre area to be used as a battery farm to store electricity.

Some locals in the area have set up an action group to protest these plans being put into place.

The group has a variety of reasons behind their decision to oppose these actions.

They say the visual impact will be large, with the height of the windmills eclipsing the height of the Spire in Dublin by some 60 metres, as well as there being a constantly flickering red light atop all of the turbines.

Residents within 1.5km will also experience a flicker impact, with many also set to experience a new level of noise pollution.

They say that the local community will be greatly impacted by the construction process, both audially and visually.

The group says the wind farm could have greatly negative effects environmentally, and could put the River Suir at risk of potential flooding.

They also say that it will have a negative impact on the property market in the area, causing many who may consider moving to the area to reconsider their decision.

The group has held four formal meetings to discuss their plan of action with regards to going about halting the process, held since January 15.

The first meeting was to outline the overall plan of action, and the second and third to split the community into groups to tackle various aspects of the proposed development.

In their meetings, the group split themselves into seven sub-groups to tackle the various issues they face in a more concentrated manner.

Group 1 is in charge of assessing the environmental impact of the project.

Group 2 is in charge of assessing the traffic impact.

Group 3 is looking at interactions with the community.

Group 4 is assessing the health and well-being implications.

Group 5 is looking at the potential risks involved with the battery farm.

Group 6 is looking at the planning history of wind turbines.

Group 7 is in charge of the finances, promotion, and public relations of the group.

They have also held several informal meetings throughout the month of January.

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover the costs of professional consultants making submissions on behalf of the group to An Bord Pleanála to try and get the project stopped.

As of the time of writing, the GoFundMe has received almost €5,000 in donations.

The group are looking to lodge complaints to An Bórd Pleanála relating to the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and suitable development, the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and the likely significant effects on the site if the development is carried out.

Peter Creedon, chairperson of the group says he would like to encourage all people in Thurles and the surrounding areas to familiarise themselves with this planning application at www.brittaswindfarmplanning.ie.

“We would like to call on our local TDs to ensure that proper legislation is brought through regarding wind farm development in Ireland, as the current guidelines in existence are from 2006. The group as a whole would have serious questions around Orsted’s consultation process and engagement with the community,” he said.

On their website, Orsted says the project “aims to supply clean and sustainable electricity to the national grid, supporting Ireland’s objective to achieve 80% renewable electricity by 2030. Environmental studies have commenced at the site. These studies, along with feedback from the local community and other stakeholders, will be used to inform the design of the project”.

Regarding the local community, Orsted says: “Ørsted is committed to engaging inclusively with the whole community and developing a responsible project that is good for society and for our neighbours. As part of the project, we want to help bring forward sustainable, long-term community initiatives that meet local priorities, needs and objectives.

“In accordance with the Government-led Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), the project, if consented, will deliver a substantial and long-term community benefit fund during the operational period of the wind farm. In line with Government guidance, this fund is expected to provide €2 per MW hour for the first 15 years of the project and will include a near neighbour scheme. For a 50MW project, the community benefit fund could amount to €280,000 per annum.

“The community benefit fund must be used for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. The distribution of the fund will ultimately be for the community living in proximity to the project to decide in partnership with the Ørsted team.”

Orsted has lodged their formal application with An Bórd Pleanála, which can be viewed on the An Bórd Pleanála website.

Orsted has been contacted for comment, however, they had yet to respond at the time of going to print.