Laois residents group angry as new plan emerging for unbuilt windfarm
'Unrelenting, like the terminator' - People Over Wind on Cullenagh windfarm plan
A Laois group of residents who spent years in a legal battle against plans for a nearby windfarm, are now alarmed again as a new plan begins to form for a taller version of the windfarm, which is nearly out of time for construction.
People Over Wind say they represent some 120 households near the site where Cullenagh Windfarm was given permission by Coillte ten years ago, and the group still regularly meets.
A representative contacted the Leinster Express / Laois Live to say that they are angry that new plans are beginning for a taller version of the windfarm.
"They have started canvassing local farmers putting pressure on them to sign, and they are planning a new application for 10 or 15 turbines that would be taller. There were to be 18 turbines of 130m height, now it would be 10 or 15 at 180m or 200m height," the spokesperson claimed.
"They are supposed to have consultation, they are proceeding without it. We believe they hope to apply for permission before Christmas. We have an issue with the cumulative effect of other planned windfarms in Wolfhill, Ballinakill and Ballyragget and a solar farm.
"We only found out and we are angry. We spent 10 years fighting this, we raised €100,000, we went through every court fighting.
"It's brutally unfair that they are able to come back now with a new project. It is incredibly divisive when they are trying to sign up farmers. it is unrelenting, like the terminator. It's extremely stressful," the POW member said.
The company planning a new version of the unbuilt windfarm is FutureEnergy Ireland, formed in 2021 by Coillte and ESB.
They gave this response to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"Cullenagh Wind Farm received a planning grant, as upheld by the Supreme Court, in 2014. Given the important role played by renewable energy in meeting Ireland’s climate goals, a review of the original Cullenagh project proposal is being undertaken.
"As part of this review, the team are assessing various aspects in relation to the size and scope of the project, which include the project site, and transportation and grid routes. This review includes discussing potential land options with local landowners. All discussions with landowners are only ever entered into by mutual agreement between and for the mutual benefit of the relevant parties.
"Pending completion of the ongoing reassessment, the next stage would be to begin site layout and design work. At this point, a consultant is appointed to carry out extensive environmental studies that inform the site layout and compile a full Environmental Impact Assessment Report. This work follows a careful, collaborative and responsible process.
"During this pre-planning phase and in all projects being actively considered by FuturEnergy Ireland, several iterations of the site layout are shared with the community until a final design, which details the number, height and location of turbines, is reached," a spokesperson said.
They said that any planning application would not be submitted for at least a year after local consultations are held.
"Should a revised project proposal be brought forward for Cullenagh, FuturEnergy Ireland will share updated information with the local community and stakeholders along with a community engagement programme at the earliest opportunity and in all scenarios at least 12 months in advance of any new planning application.
"All FuturEnergy Ireland projects have a comprehensive community engagement programme that provides interested parties numerous opportunities to provide feedback to the project team, including via in-person events.
"FuturEnergy Ireland is committed to delivering projects in a fair and meaningful way which will create a broad range of benefits nationally, regionally and locally, including a significant Community Benefit Fund for the local area and environs.
"If any members of the community have questions about this project, we encourage them to contact Community Liaison Officer Tom Costello on 087 352 5961 or email [email protected]." the company spokesperson said.