East Galway 'can't absorb' rising number of energy projects

Concerns to be raised in Dáil

FINE Gael TD Pete Roche has said that East Galway “cannot be expected to absorb” the increasing number of wind and solar farm projects that are earmarked for the region.

The Galway East TD is seeking a meeting with the Minister for Housing James Browne to discuss the concentration of renewable energy projects that are proposed for East Galway and said he intends to raise the matter in the Dáil.

The Blackthorn Solar Farm project on 93 acres in the Turloughmore, Lackagh and Knockdoe areas this month became the latest solar farm development in the region to go for planning.

An Coimisiún Pleanála last week ruled against granting planning permission for the proposed Shancloon Windfarm – one of a number of windfarm projects planned in the region – on 1,700 acres in Kilconly and Caherlistrane.

“I fully support Ireland’s transition to clean, secure and renewable energy.

However, Galway East cannot be expected to absorb project after project under outdated and fragmented planning rules,” said Deputy Roche.

“Communities across the constituency are seeing a rapid increase in wind, solar, battery storage and associated grid proposals.

These developments cannot continue to be considered solely as isolated planning applications.

Combined impact

“We need to examine their combined impact on homes, farms, roads, landscape, biodiversity, heritage, emergency services and the future development of our rural communities.”

Deputy Roche has also written to the Minister for Housing for a definitive date as to when the revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be published.

The most recent Wind Energy Development Guidelines date back to 2006.

Deputy Roche has also asked Minister Browne to give direction to planning authorities while the current Wind Energy Development Guidelines are in existence, and provide national planning guidance for solar farms and battery energy storage systems (BESS), amongst other measures.

“Galway East will play its part in meeting Ireland’s climate and energy targets. However, climate action must also be properly planned, proportionate and fair to the communities being asked to host this infrastructure,” said the Galway East TD.