Artist to set up windfarm lobby group

A WEST Clare-based artist has pledged to set up a lobby group opposing the proposed construction of a major windfarm costing an estimated €100 million in her locality.
An Bord Pleanála is still considering whether the construction by Clare Coastal Wind Power Limited of 46 wind turbines at Shragh and Mountrivers, Doonbeg should be considered as a development of strategic importance.
The company was advised by Clare County Council to go directly to the appeals’ board to establish if their project meets the requirements of this new process to fast-track the planning process for developments of national importance.
Originally from Cologne in Germany, Astrid Adler, who lives about 450 metres from a wind turbine in Monmore, has called for the establishment of an independent agency to regularly monitor the noise emissions from wind turbines.
Ms Adler claims she can clearly hear what sounds like a low flying aeroplane over her house from the nearest turbine in Monmore when the wind comes from the south-east.
She proposed that small wind turbines should be provided in the local area to provide enough electricity for two or three homes but does not want any more large turbines in Monmore, Shragh, Tullabrack or Doonbeg.
In a recent submission to the Draft Clare County Development Plan concerning wind energy, she stated there is very little understanding of noise pollution coming from wind turbine industries.
“The workings and effects of sound differ enormously with different wind directions and wind forces. Strong winds and the exact positioning of a turbine on your house can create an unbearable noise.”
She called for the establishment of an independent number for complaints, having contacted the planning department.
She claimed that construction traffic for windfarms can damage local bog roads.
“While €5,000 per turbine is provided for local landowners for providing land to developers, it doesn’t make up for the devaluation of a house. Holiday makers don’t want to spend sleepless nights because of thumping industrial noise of wind turbines,” she added.
Resident Tony Killeen, who will also be a member of the new group, claimed the site for the Clare Coastal Wind Power Limited development is not suitable because it is situated on low-lying flat boggy area where the sound from wind turbines may be heard for up to a mile.
Mr Killeen questioned the impact on wildlife and a nearby bird sanctuary if the proposed windfarm gets the go-ahead. He also claimed the windfarm would devalue local homes and suggested a more suitable site away from houses should be found by the developers.
Donal O’Sullivan of Clare Coastal Wind Power Limited pointed out the site of the proposed windfarm has been designated for wind energy use in Clare County Council’s wind energy strategy.
Commenting on Ms Adler’s concerns regarding noise emissions, he said specialist studies are ongoing on the site and are being undertaken by experienced consultants.
He explained these studies will be submitted as part of the planning application and noise emissions from turbines have to be below recommended levels. The company is obliged to carry out a full environmental impact assessment prior to lodging the planning application and this is also ongoing.
“One of the promoters of the Shragh windfarm is permanently resident adjacent to the existing windfarm in Monmore since it was built six years ago. He and his family and his neighbours have no issues in relation to noise emissions from the Monmore windfarm.
“The company, as part of the pre-planning process, also has an obligation to contact the Irish Aviation Authority and inform them of the location of the windfarm. The company has done so and has not received any objection from the authority.
“Should the project receive planning permission, a comprehensive traffic management plan will be in place, which will be agreed in advance with the planning authority.
“There is widespread support for the windfarm and the economic benefits it will provide to the local economy. In excess of 65 local families will be in receipt of annual income on the rent of their land. There will be in excess of 250 people employed over the construction period, with approximately 10 permanent positions in maintenance and operation,” he added.