This article is from page 14 of the 2011-12-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
CONCERNS over the road network in the vicinity of a proposed wind farm in West Clare – which would be the biggest of its kind in the midwest if it gets the green light – have been raised.
A planning application has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála for the development of a 45-turbine win farm at Shragh, Doonbeg.
The application has been lodged by Clare Coastal Wind Power, which says it would create a huge tourism boost for the area. While Clare County Council planners say it would help to achieve the council’s target for renewables, they have expressed concerns in relation to the scale of the project.
The application is the largest ever lodged for a wind farm in the midwest and would have the capacity to provide energy to more than 70,000 homes.
The application did not go before the county council and instead was lodged with An Bord Pleanála. This was because the application was deemed to have met the criteria for a strategic infrastructure case and therefore should go before the Board.
The company behind the project has held an information meeting in Doonbeg which was attended by more than 100 people.
Its representatives have also met with local business and community groups.
At a meeting of Clare County Council yesterday, Councillor Oliver Garry (Fine Gael) said it was a “topical” issue in West Clare.
“Already in West Clare we have two wind farms. They are producing 32 mega watts and there is planning permission for another 100 mega watts of electricity. We have a target of 250 mega watts by 2020,” he said.
He asked what provisions are made for the local roads area and said that the network “seems pretty poor”.
County Manger Tom Coughlan said that the council cannot direct An Bord Pleanála to add conditions but can refer to conditions.
Fianna Fáil Councillor PJ Kelly said that while “beggars can’t be choosers”, they should be listened to and said that potential road damage should be considered.
Independent Councillor Christy Curtin asked, “Has there been experience of other such projects under this legislation? Has there been experience?”
Fine Gael Councillor Joe Arkins said, “A windfarm of this size is more suitable for an area that is zoned strategic. . . Should we not be making that point stronger in the submission?”
“There has to be a limit to the amount of wind turbines you see when you look out the front, the back and the two sides of your house,” he said.
Concerns raised by the planners and councillors will be included in the submission on the application to an Bord Pleanála.