A COMPANY planning the development of seven wind turbines on land to the east of Kilbane has pledged to provide more detailed information to residents over the coming months. EDF Renewables Ireland, which has confirmed plans to develop a 50MW wind farm, held a public consultation clinic on Tuesday, August 16 last when residents were invited to discuss their views and concerns with members of the project team. The proposed Lackareagh Wind Farm, which could power more than 35,000 homes, will be located in the townlands of Killeagy and Shannaknock. In an information leaflet provided to residents on Tuesday, the company stated it would be carrying out more detailed environmental studies at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments as well as measuring wind speeds. The results of these studies along with feedback gathered throughout consultation with communities will be used to determine the final turbine layout. The company will also be undertaking a transport and access study …
Read More »Garda presence at windfarm consultation leaves sour taste
THE presence of a member of An Garda Siochána in Kilbane for a so-called protest that never materialised against a proposed wind farm left a sour taste among residents who gathered to attend a public consultation clinic on Tuesday evening. One Garda stood in the village during the information clinic that was organised by EDF Renewables and a second Garda came in a different vehicle for a brief period before departing shortly afterwards when it was patently clear there was no sign of any public demonstration. A member of An Garda Siochána from Tulla Garda Station told the Clare Champion he was tasked earlier that day to maintain a Garda presence in Kilbane for a planned protest. Acknowledging there was no sign of any public demonstration, he said that he couldn’t leave the village until he was sure everything was ok. He left before the consultation clinic finished at 7pm. EDF Renewables organised a public consultation clinic in a mobile …
Read More »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 …
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