Locals say NO to proposed Offaly Wind Farm

RESIDENTS from across Offaly and Westmeath came together last week in opposition to the proposed Bellair Wind Farm, which will be located on a Bord na Móna landbank across Bellair Bog, near Ballycumber.
Speaking to the Tribune, the locals cited serious concerns about the long-term environmental, health, and social impact of the project.
The wind farm, being advanced by Bord na Móna and SSE Airtricity, is currently in its early consultation stage; however, locals told the Tribune that they strongly feel that “enough is enough.”
The public meeting was held in The Grand Hotel Moate and it was held “to gather and discuss where we as a community are positioned”
Communities living near the proposed site believe the development is being fast-tracked without adequate regard for the cumulative impact on rural life, health, and the natural landscape. “We are not against renewable energy, but this development is in the wrong place and at the wrong scale,” said a spokesperson for the group. “Our homes, our wellbeing, and our countryside are not collateral for poorly sited industrial wind infrastructure with no long-term vision.”
He added that some of the key reasons for their opposition include:
Noise pollution and sleep disturbance. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends noise levels from wind turbines should not exceed 45 dB Lden to protect human health. Many wind farms, including this one, risk breaching these limits, especially at night.”
Environmental and landscape degradation. “The project risks damaging sensitive habitats, scenic views, and local biodiversity.”
Failure to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals: “The development undermines several SDGs, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and Goal 15 (Life on Land), by prioritising commercial energy production over community and ecological wellbeing.”
Inadequate community consultation. Locals feel the process is being driven top-down, without meaningful local input.

Shane Monaghan, from Ballycumber, a member of the group (which is calling itself the "No to Bellair Wind Farm" group), said Bord na Móna haven't provided any alternatives. "We would like to discuss alternatives," he remarked. "The only thing on the table at the moment is the wind farm."
Wednesday's public meeting was used to prepare ahead of the planned community engagement sessions by Bord na Móna and SSE Airtricity later in June. The meeting was an opportunity for anyone concerned about the Wind Farm to get informed, ask questions, and get involved in protecting "our local environment and communities."
BnM and SSE Renewables are inviting members of the local community to a series of upcoming public consultation sessions regarding the Wind Farm. In a statement Bord na Móna and SSE said this project is the latest onshore wind farm development proposed as part of BnM and SSE Renewables’ joint venture partnership and “will be located on Bord na Móna’s landbank across Bellair North and Bellair South Bogs in Counties Offaly and Westmeath.” BnM and SSE Renewables said the public consultation sessions will be held in Ballycumber in Offaly, and Ballinahown and Moate in Westmeath, and “will offer members of the public a chance to engage with the project team and provide feedback on the proposed development.”
As part of their community engagement programme for Bellair Wind Farm, BnM and SSE Renewables have appointed a designated Community Liaison Specialist. Members of the project team will be present at the upcoming consultation sessions to gather feedback from the public and address any questions.
The dates, times and locations of the public consultation events are: Tuesday June 17, 5 to 8.30pm. Ballycumber GAA Club R35 T1H5; Wednesday June 18 – 5 to 8.30pm – Ballinahown Community Hall N37 D768; Tuesday June 24 – 5 to 8.30pm The Carmelite Centre Moate N37 AQ24.

BnM and SSE Renewables will develop a draft layout for the wind farm project in the coming months. “Further public consultation events will take place to gather additional insights from the local community in advance of submitting a planning application,” said the BnM SSE statement. “If delivered, the proposed Bellair Wind Farm would bring a range of benefits to the local area, including a dedicated Community Benefit Fund.
“We announced our joint venture last year, one of the largest onshore renewables joint ventures in the history of the state. If fully delivered, it is expected the portfolio of wind farms will generate up to 800MW of renewable energy, enough to be capable of powering the average annual energy demand of around half a million homes annually, while displacing up to half a million tonnes of carbon emissions each year – making a substantial contribution to Ireland’s 2030 renewable energy goals set out in the national Climate Action Plan 2024.”