Wind energy sector hotly debated at MKMD meeting

The wind farm industry was strongly criticised and strongly defended at the January meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District.

Under present guidelines, which are due to be updated, developers commission environmental impact studies as part of the planning process. Cllr Andrew Duncan proposed that these studies, to establish noise levels at quiet times within two kilometres of the proposed development, be commissioned by the county council and the cost levied on the developer.

The idea of the developer commissioning the study was likened by members to a vampire guarding a blood bank or a fox minding the chickens. Cllr Duncan said he would not rely on a company that is applying for planning permission to commission a study, adding that he "would not trust it as far as I would throw it".

Cllr Denis Leonard warned that there was going to be a proliferation of wind farm applications. He said there are 10 different forms of renewable energy and the wind option was the least suited to the flattest county in the country.

Cllr Emily Wallace recalled how, 12 years ago, councillors stopped a wind farm development when they were not as controversial as they are now. She said that, at night, she could hear the wind turbines in Kilbeggan from her home in Gaybrook, Milltownpass. "We must take the initiative and protect the rights of residents," she said.

Cllr Ken Glynn recalled how residents of Roscommon attended a meeting in Mullingar and told how their lives were made hell because of the noise and shadow caused by turbines. "I think of them every time this is debated," he said.

Green Party member, Cllr Hazel Smyth, said she was disappointed every time she heard of distrust in the wind industry.

"I know people that work in the industry and they would find it offensive when they are experts in the area who have studied and invested a lot of energy in ensuring that these wind turbines are done in accordance with all the strict regulations," she said.

Cllr Smyth said Ireland’s noise level restrictions are the strictest in Europe and are the equivalent of a fridge or a quiet library. She suggested that anyone with concerns visit a wind farm and assess the impact.

She spoke of the need for renewable energy and said that where it can be done properly, appropriately, and in line with what the community is looking for, there is no reason why, in Westmeath, a proper and appropriate wind farm could not be considered. Cllr Smyth said there are wind turbines in built-up areas of Dublin with a lot of residents nearby, and it does not cause harm to any of them.

"We all have to be open minded to that. There seems to be a complete rejection of wind as a renewable energy source in Westmeath and that is disappointing," Cllr Smyth concluded.

Cllr Duncan said he did not have Cllr Smyth’s faith in the wind industry, but stressed that if there is no noise issue, then the industry has nothing to worry about. If they are as clean as they say, there will be no problem.

"Levy the developers for the cost of the study; they are wealthy people, it’s a multi-billion euro industry; they get planning permission, put in the infrastructure and flog them on.

“Levy them and let the council appoint someone to do the study," he remarked.

Cllr Aoife Davitt said the members had to have faith in the data compiled and supported the motion, as did Cllr Bill Collentine, who said other renewable energy sources would be less offensive and should be looked at .

Director of services, Deirdre Reilly, said new planning guidelines were awaited.

The motion was passed, but will have to be discussed in detail at the relevant Strategic Policy Committee and, if passed there, then brought before a full council meeting.