‘Very worrying’ - Concerns raised as plans for more wind turbines in Offaly are revealed

A number of local councillors have raised concerns over plans for another wind farm in Offaly.

In recent weeks, a planning application has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála for the construction of a wind farm in the townland of Ballinla, close to Edenderry.

The application, which was submitted by Statkraft Ireland, details plans for seven wind turbines and a 100kW substation.

The turbines, if approved, will stand at a height of approximately 185m and will be located at least 740metres from the nearest house in the area.

Statkraft says the turbines will produce over 50MW of renewable energy for the Irish electricity grid.

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Associated works will include access tracks, turbine foundations and hardstanding areas, drainage works, a temporary site compound and underground electrical and communications cables.

The project has been designated as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID), which requires the developer to submit the planning application directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The developer does not need to seek permission from Offaly County Council for the development, although the council has been invited to submit a report to the commission outlining its concerns.

Úna McCafferkey, a planner with Offaly County Council, delivered a presentation on the proposed development at the council’s October plenary meeting.

She outlined the main concerns of the council executive which include potential non-compliance with noise regulations, the visual impact and the impact on birds.

Ms McCafferkey also highlighted the fact that a local road that would run through the middle of the development, which she said “needs extra consideration”.

A number of councillors went on to raise their own concerns regarding the project.

Fianna Fáil councillor Claire Murray-Smale said: “I think it’s extremely important that the views and opinions, fears and worries of people set to live around these turbines are taken into consideration.

“There are many reasons why I feel this proposed Statkraft windfarm is not suitable for the townland of Ballinla.

“Our countryside is already completely saturated with turbines. Our roads and our infrastructure cannot withstand any more loads.”

Cllr Murray-Smale said that other counties are “not putting in the heavy lifting” when it comes to renewable energy.

She added that the “most worrying” part of the project was around noise levels, accusing Statkraft of failing to comply with noise regulations on other developments.

This sentiment was shared by Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Masterson, who said she is “very worried” that the developer would not comply with noise regulations.

Fine Gael councillor Noel Cribbin said the proposed development was “causing great concern” to people living in the nearby houses, adding that “no matter what window they look out, they’re looking at a turbine”.

He also noted the quality of the land in the area, which he described as “one of the best farms in the country”.

Independent councillor Seán O’Brien also highlighted the potential of the site in question, saying the development would have a “serious impact” on the potential for future housing in the area.

“This proposal going ahead would utterly negate that and the potential for development would be completely wiped out,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil councillor Peter Ormond expressed his concern over the “huge amount” of wind turbines in the area, adding that Offaly was becoming a place “with an excessive amount of wind farms”.

After contributions from a number of other councillors, it was agreed that the council planner’s report would be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála for consideration.

Offaly County Council must submit its feedback on the development to the commission by November 13.