A proposed industrial wind farm for South Kilkenny would be akin to having four Croke Parks stacked on top of one another.
That’s according to Aontú Rep for Ferrybank, Gary O’ Neill \, who says the location is being chosen for its profitability rather than its suitability
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s (Wednesday 3rd December) vote on the contentious proposed development he says
“A central concern is that the project is being assessed under 2006 wind-energy guidelines, written when turbines were significantly smaller. Now they are 180metres high – that’s 4 Croke Parks stacked on top of one another. With several propellers, each the size of an aeroplane, spinning in circles. It’s wholly unsuitable for the area”.
These outdated rules do not reflect modern low-frequency noise science, updated WHO health evidence or shadow-flicker impacts.
Worryingly the proposed development may also qualify as Strategic Infrastructure, (SID) bypassing Kilkenny County Council and going straight to An Bord Pleanála, removing meaningful local oversight and limiting appeal options”.
“Communities in Mullinavat, Inistioge, and the surrounding townlands of Ballyvool, Ballykenna, Garrandarragh and Bohilla are raising strong objections. They argue that the elevated lands above these villages overlook long-established homes, farms and private wells, and industrialising them would permanently alter everyday life in the area. The narrow L-roads between Mullinavat and Inistioge are entirely unsuitable for the months of heavy construction traffic required. This could see up to 20,000 trucks bringing soil and stone in and out. It would be bedlam”
“Residents also highlight risks to water tables and wells due to deep foundations and upland excavation. This massive development is alongside several households, including many who have children with additional needs and children with sensory issues. The noise and shadow flicker is a major concern as any construction would almost certainly happen during nighttime. Also, there are serious environmental concerns for wildlife habitats, and this is not being taken as seriously as it should be”
There is further concern about long-term accountability. Wind projects are often sold repeatedly to investment funds, and without a legally binding decommissioning bond, communities fear they could be left with permanent industrial structures once companies move on.
Residents here are calling for a moratorium on industrial wind development until modern regulations, health protections and decommissioning guarantees are in place”.
