Mixed reaction to wind farm
Plans for 22 wind turbines have been met with strong resistance from some county councillors.
A number of concerns were voiced during Monday’s County County meeting regarding the impact the development would have on local communities, particularly those of Ballyhooly, Glenville and Killavullen.
There was also concern for the impact such a development might have on protected species in the area such as the hen harrier, a bird of prey native to Europe and Asia.
The development, proposed by Coom Green Energy, would see the construction of 22 wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 169m and a maximum rotor diameter of 138m in the Nagle Mountains in North Cork.
The planning process allows for County Hall officials to prepare a submission on the project to An Bord Pleanála before a final decision is made.
Speaking at the Cork County Council meeting, Fianna Fáil Councillor William O'Leary said it was important to look at ways of generating power but that energy goals should not be used to justify the wrong developments in the wrong location.
A number of councillors said that they were not against wind turbines as a means of generating power, but suggested they be built offshore.
Fianna Fail's Frank O’Flynn said he fully supports wind energy but the proposed site was not suitable.
However, Fine Gael Councillor Gerard Murphy said while he accepts the reservations of residents, there will always be “certain inconveniences” attached to promoting renewable energy.
“In the Kanturk electoral area we have an enormous amount of wind energy and it's extremely beneficial for the communities, a lot of small and medium sized farmers,” he said.
A spokesperson on behalf of Coom Green Energy Park said: “The final proposal is the result of extensive technical and environmental studies, and consultation with the community and local politicians, including councillors. In all instances we have sought to ensure the wind farm is appropriate for the local area and strikes the right balance between local impact and meeting national environmental aspirations.
“Coom Green Energy Park will deliver a range of environmental and economic benefits, including a community benefit fund of over €500,000 per year for the first 15 years of the project. I hope that, should the plans be approved we can work closely with local stakeholders to ensure that they can maximise these benefits locally,” they concluded.