No change to council wind energy strategy

CLARE County Council has agreed to implement its existing Wind Energy Strategy as part of the County Development Plan 2011 to 2017.

At this week’s monthly meeting of the council, a motion by Councillor Brian Meaney in favour of keeping the current wind energy strategy was passed by councillors. He asked the council not to change its current strategy, as it would jeopardise the viability of a number of proposed windfarm projects throughout the county.
Landowners from East Clare, who are planning to develop a windfarm in an area between Broadford and Ardnacrusha, were in the public gallery of the council during the discussion on the motion.
They are seeking to form a co-operative approach to develop a windfarm in their area, with a view to creating local jobs.
Councillor Michael Begley said the council had to decide whether it wanted a wind energy strategy that could actually happen or “an aspirational one”. He added that under the revised strategy proposed in the County Development Plan, a number of areas earmarked as potential locations for windfarms would be either significantly reduced or completely eliminated.
Councillor Cathal Crowe commented that any change in the existing wind energy strategy would potentially reduce the chances of job creation arising from wind energy resources in County Clare.
Councillor James Breen also supported Councillor Meaney’s motion, stating that at a time when the economy is struggling and jobs are being lost, the council shouldn’t do anything that would hinder employment.
Councillor Martin Conway said the Department of the Environment, who had sought changes to the council’s wind energy strategy in the context of the County Development Plan, were showing to be a “clear example of Big Brother”, interfering with a locally formulated policy.
A number of other amendments were voted on by the council in the context of the new County Development Plan, which was adopted by the council at Monday’s meeting.
Mayor of Clare Christy Curtin said he hoped “this county will benefit from this good planning module that has been adopted”.
The mayor also commended the councillors for their role, particularly former mayor, Tony Mulcahy.
County manager Tom Coughlan said the plan would facilitate and encourage economic development, as well as encourage social inclusion.
He said there had been almost 300 submissions received, which showed there had been a good level of input from the wider community.
“I can assure you of my personal commitment to this county development plan and I have gone through it line by line,” Mr Coughlan added.