ABP gives go ahead for 26 turbine wind farm in north Westmeath
An Bord Pleanála has been accused of “zero consideration...for the local community's concerns” after it gave Bord na Móna the go-ahead to construct 26 wind turbines on cutaway bogs in the north Westmeath region.
The 200 meter tall turbines will be located on Bord na Móna lands in the Ballivor Bog Group, which covers the townlands of Lisclogher Great, Cockstown, Clonmorrill, Ballyhealy, Ballynaskeagh, Clonleame, Bracklyn, Craddanstown, Killagh, Grange More and Riverdale in County Westmeath and the townlands of Clondalee More, Derryconor, Clonycavan, Robinstown, Coolronan, Doolystown and Moyfeagher in County Meath.
The wind farm will be adjacent to the nine turbines due to be constucted by the Energia group in the townlands of Bracklyn, Ballagh, Billistown and Ballynacor.
Bord na Móna's application was the subject of 40 submissions, almost all of which were from people objecting to the development. Opponents cited a range of concerns including the impact on biodiversity, property values, noise, farming and locals' quality of life. They also claimed that there was inadequate public participation due to restrictions imposed during the Covid 19 pandemic.
In a statement issued to the Westmeath Examiner, the Delvin Raharney Ballivor Wind Action Group criticised decision makers saying that there was “zero consideration...for the local community's concerns”:
“It’s with huge regret and total disappointment that we have received the news this week that Bord na Móna have been granted planning permission from Bord Pleanála for 26 turbines, 200m (656ft) each in height, between Delvin, Ballivor, Killyon and Raharney. This is on top of the neighbouring nine 185m turbines about to go into construction in Bracklyn.
"While we as a group and more broadly as a community are very supportive of renewable energy, this is the wrong renewable technology in the wrong place. Wind turbines belong well off-shore."
Referring to the 10 year planning permission and 30 year operational life of the windfarm, the wind action group said that “the cumulative impact from years of heavy industrial construction, followed by noise and shadow flicker from 35 turbines, light pollution from 38 red nightlights, impact on environment, landscape, views and biodiversity, will last until the early 2060s”.
“...We feel that the community has been failed by poor government policy, significant lack of rigour in the planning process, giving no voice to genuine community concerns.
“We have spent countless hours considering these planning applications, raising funds via the community, to engage expertise to support our submissions. But at the end of the day, there has been zero compromise from the wind developers and zero consideration by planners for the local communities concerns.