Mixed reaction to energy firm’s donation to Clare GAA club

There has been a mixed reaction to the announcement that EDF Renewables Ireland is sponsoring a pitch upgrade at Broadford GAA Club, providing €4,000 towards upgraded pitch facilities.

This sponsorship funding will be used to help enhance the pitch surface at Coolagh and according to EDF Renewables’ “demonstrates its commitment to supporting local and community initiatives in the areas surrounding its projects”.

Earlier this year, EDF Renewables Ireland announced its plans to develop the c.50MW Lackareagh Wind Farm on land to the east of Broadford in Co. Clare.

The proposed wind farm, which could power more than 35,000 homes, will be located in the townlands of Killeagy and Shannaknock.

Welcoming the sponsorship, John O’Brien, Chair of Broadford GAA Club said: “We’re delighted to partner with EDF Renewables to enhance our pitch facilities. The sponsorship funding will go towards drainage, specialist fertilizer and other works needed to ensure all our youth and senior teams can play on a top-quality pitch all year round.”

However, while Sean Conway of the Fahybeg Wind Farm Biodiversity and Conservation Group is delighted for Broadford GAA and is sure they will put this funding to good use, he questioned EDF’s motivations.

The group is very concerned about the proposed development of a different wind farm proposed by RWE Renewables for the development of 180 metre wind turbines at Fahybeg, Fahy More North, Ballymoloney and Ballyknavin in Bridgetown.

“In my opinion they are trying to buy the support of the “local” community for their industrial sized installation on the picturesque hills of Lackareagh and if they can achieve that for €4,000 it will certainly be value for money.

“This donation is out of EDF’s own pocket and can be used by the GAA club in whatever way they see fit, however EDF are implying that this investment will continue in Broadford as part of the Community Benefit Fund.

“The strict regulations controlling the Community Benefit Fund are set out by legislation and once administrative costs and “near neighbour” compensation payments are deducted from the fund, the remainder of the money must be spent specifically on projects covered by six UN sustainability goals which centre around climate change and renewable energy.

“Works on the GAA pitch, as it was mentioned the €4,000 would be used for, would not be covered by the Community Benefit Fund.

“The Community Benefit fund is not solely for the Kilbane/Broadford community as some might think, applications for the fund are accepted from the “local community” which in the legislation is set out as a 20km radius from the wind farm which stretches almost as far as Ennis, Whitegate, Limerick City and Nenagh.

“In comparison, €4,000 is a paltry sum compared to the approx €1 million per turbine that landowners will receive over the 30-year lifespan of the project and the €30 million in revenue it will generate for EDF.

“You cannot put a price on the peace and tranquillity that we have in our locality and once EDF turn a sod that will be lost for ever.

“We welcome further investment from EDF in our local clubs and in renewable and sustainable energy but when it comes to industrial-sized wind farm installations my view has not changed, offshore wind farms are the future and offer almost twice the output of similar sized onshore installations.

“I have a two-week-old little girl and as I sit here this morning giving her a bottle looking out at a beautiful tranquil view of Lackareagh I am saying to myself we only get one chance on this earth and I hope a few are not going to ruin it for my children and grandchildren in the name of profit,” he added.

A spokesperson for EDF Renewables Ireland said the company is happy to receive requests for sponsorship from community groups in the areas around its projects.

“All applications are assessed on their merits and we were pleased to provide the requested €4,000 to Broadford GAA Club to help upgrade their pitch facilities at Coolagh.

“This sponsorship is unconnected with the Community Benefit Fund, which will be established if Lackareagh Wind Farm is successful in securing planning permission and is constructed. These funds will go towards the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community.

A proportion of the Community Benefit Fund will be allocated to a ‘Near Neighbour Fund’ that will directly benefit the project’s closest neighbours.

“Lackareagh Wind Farm will also pay a significant amount in rates to Clare County Council over the lifetime of the project,” said the company spokesman.

The company held the first of its monthly information clinics in Kilbane recently to meet with local residents interested in learning more about the project, and will hold further clinics in the coming months.