Galway communities mobilise to oppose planned wind farms with 180-metre tip height turbines
Rural people across south east Galway are mobilising in opposition to plans to build wind farms in their communities.
Coxtown Protection Committee was formed last month in response to proposals for a six-turbine wind farm near Kiltormer, Mullagh and Cappataggle.
Its members are also concerned about plans for another wind farm proposed near Gurtymadden and Killimor, and are on alert for the possibility of more large turbines coming down the track on land near Aughrim.
A spokesperson for the group said the fear is rural parts of County Galway will be turned into an “industrial site with no one living in the area in 25 years”.
They said the biggest fear is noise pollution, shadow flicker and the size of the turbines with tip heights of up to 180 metres.
There are over 200 homes within a 2km radius of the proposed Coxtown development, which possibly could be visible from as far away as Ballinasloe or Loughrea.
A planning application for the development planned for the parishes of Coxtown and Killoran is expected to be lodged with Galway County Council before the end of this year.
The group and individuals have vowed to oppose it.
Enerco Energy Limited is planning to build the proposed Coxtown Renewable Energy Development.
It is understood agreement has been reached with a handful of landowners.
The company said the planned wind farm will have generating capacity for 36 megawatts.
Enerco Energy Limited said the proposed development “will provide a significant contribution to achieving the country’s renewable energy targets” and reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels.
It claimed there would be annual financial rewards to the communities, through community benefit funds. They also argued direct and indirect jobs impact, including in construction.
Separately, there are plans for a wind farm near Gurtymadden and Killimor.
Foxhall Energy Limited said it is looking to build wind energy infrastructure at the townlands of Cappanaghtan, Derrew, Drumeyre, Eskerboy, Foxhall, Foxhall Little, Liscoyle, and Lurganshanny.
It said community consultation and environmental surveys will inform where to locate the turbines.
The company said it planned to lodge a planning application in 2027.
It said it does not plan to build pylons or overhead lines and will connect to the existing network and grid through a planned new substation.
One of the fears of locals with land near the proposed turbines is new regulations may include mandatory minimum setback distance between turbines and residential dwellings.
This could result in planning permission for homes on family land being refused due to proximity to turbines
“We all know the need for renewable energy is looming large but placing such invasive industrial units so close to communities is not the answer,” a committee spokesperson said.
The public has been invited to attend a meeting in Killalaghton Hall (H53 KF22) on July 12 at 7pm.