Public meeting to be held on controversial windfarm proposals

The Delvin Raharney Ballivor Wind Action Group will hold a public meeting this Thursday 4th May in Ballivor Community Centre at 7.30pm, following the lodging of Bord na Móna's application for a wind farm the area.

Bord na Móna Powergen Ltd is proposing to construct 26 turbines with a tip height of 200m in the townlands of Clondalee More, Derryconor, Clonycavan, Robinstown, Coolronan, Doolystown, and Moyfeagher in Co Meath, as well as Lisclogher Great, Cockstown, Clonmorrill, Clonleame, Bracklin, Craddanstown, Killagh, Grange More and Riverdale in County Westmeath.

Over the past few weeks, the Delvin-Raharney-Ballivor Wind Action Group has been reviewing the wind farm planning application submitted by Bord na Mona (Powergen) to An Bord Pleanala.

"The size and impact of this proposed windfarm is frightening when we consider the flat open landscape of this area of Meath and Westmeath," said Daryl Kennedy, Spokesperson for the Action Group.

"With 26 turbines of 200m in height (650 feet), this industrial development will dominate the area for up to 30km around until the 2060’s," he added.

Mr Kennedy pointed out that not only would there be the visual impact during the day, but due to the red warning night-lights on top, the impact at night will also be significant.

"Then take the additional and cumulative impact of the neighbouring Bracklyn windfarm (nine turbines and one wind mast) and the overall impact on the area is huge," he said.

The group say they believe that this is the wrong location for such an industrial development and should be placed offshore.

"Every person living within 30km of these proposed windfarms should spend some time reviewing the planning application in the Bord Pleanala website (Case ref 316212), especially to look at the photomontages from places like Trim Castle, Lough Crew or Lough Owel, and decide if this industrial energy infrastructure is right for this area," said the concerned resident.