Castlebanny Windfarm Proposed Development

Uimhir Thagarta Uathúil: 
KK-C162-180
Stádas: 
Submitted
Údar: 
Michelle Cullen
Líon na ndoiciméad faoi cheangal: 
0
Teorainneacha Gafa ar an léarscáil: 
Níl
Údar: 
Michelle Cullen

Litir Chumhdaigh

I, Michelle Cullen, strongly object to any change in redesignation of land in Co Kilkenny but particularly the Castlebanny/Ballyhale/Mullinavat/Thomastown/Inistioge/Arrigle Valley area from 'open for consideration' to 'acceptable in principle' for large scale wind energy developments

Observations

Objection to Castlebanny Windfarm

Draft City and County Development Plan, 

The Planning Department, 

Kilkenny County Council, 

John Street, 

Kilkenny, 

R95 A39T

 

Kilkenny City and County Draft Development Plan 2021 - 2027 

10th March 2021 

 

I, Michelle Cullen, residing at Castlegannon would like to object to the proposed construction of 21 wind turbines and ancillary works (namely permanent electrical 110kV substation, 3 borrow pits, permanent MET mast up to a height of 100m, 2 construction compounds with associated site offices & parking areas) at Castlebanny, Co. Kilkenny by Springfield Renewables Ltd.

(An Bord Pleanala Case Reference: PL10. 309306 

The basis of my objection is as follows; 

  • Lack of adequate public consultation 

There has been no opportunity for local residents, particularly those living closest to the proposed development to meet and engage, voice any concerns and get answers to any queries relating to said development.  

I note from the Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in Ireland 2016 (Guidelines for Community Engagement), the approach and level of engagement should reflect the nature of the project and the potential level of impact that it could have on a community.  

For my family and I, living within 3 kilometres of 6 of the proposed turbines and a borrow pit, the Community Liason Officer for this development has had zero communication with this household.   

  • Quarrying planned at 3 borrow pits

There is a real risk of damage to Aquifer and in turn risk of contamination to private wells.  Once the aquifer is damaged/contaminated, can it recover?  There is a risk of contamination of all local streams and drains

There is a risk of damage to the Gas Line running parallel to the proposed wind farm and its proximity to a borrow pit adjacent to Turbine 3 is alarming

  • Increased risk of construction traffic & heavy machinery with uncovered loads (dust hazard) on local access roads and passing in very close proximity to Ballyhale Pre School & Primary School
  • Increased risk of lightning strike and fire risk in a forested area posing a threat to local residents 
  • Reports of collapsing turbines & falling parts/blades - this is extremely worrying given the amount of local, national & international visitors to the South Leinster Way Walking Trail 
  • Visual Impact on the landscape considering the sheer size & scale of development 
  • Electromagnetic interference - will there be disruption to phones/TV/internet coverage 

I recently visited Ballymartin Windfarm and while there had no mobile telephone signal, therefore my concern for residents living close to the wind turbines would be that in the event of an accident/fire etc would not be able to contact the emergency services

  • Negative Health effects on local residents

The negative health effects of wind turbines on local residents have been well documented all around the country.  The current Wind Energy Development Guidelines were introduced in 2006 at a time when the average wind turbine was approximately 50 - 65 metres high.  They also suggest a setback distance of 500 metres from a proposed turbine. 

These guidelines are no longer fit for purpose given that a huge proportion of turbines being erected now are between 150 - 190 metres in height.

For these reasons set out above, I therefore request that Castlebanny and its surrounding environs NOT be designated as 'ACCEPTABLE IN PRINCIPLE' and remain as 'OPEN FOR CONSIDERATION'

Michelle Cullen 

 

 

 

Faisnéis

Uimhir Thagarta Uathúil: 
KK-C162-180
Stádas: 
Submitted
Líon na ndoiciméad faoi cheangal: 
0
Teorainneacha Gafa ar an léarscáil: 
Níl

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