Coolcappa Community Action Group protest the proposed Greensource-backed Ballynisky Wind Energy Development

Coolcappa Community Action Group held a protest relating to the proposed Greensource-backed Ballynisky Wind Energy Development

Coolcappa Community Action Group recently hosted an information evening and then organised a protest in Adare to highlight the issue 

Members of Coolcappa Community gathered in Adare Wednesday, March 6 to Friday, March 8 to protest the proposed Greensource-backed Ballynisky Wind Energy Development.

Members of the protest are asking the people of Limerick to support their petition for safe wind energy development that ensures the protection of health and considers the impact on the local community.

More than 50 people attended the protest on Wednesday March 6, 2024.

They group are concerned for Ballynisky Green Energy proposed Wind Farm consisting of 6 turbines at 158m high that will be sited, in their opinion too close to homes and within 700m of Coolcappa village.

Coolcappa Community Action Group has been raising awareness and their research has shown that almost every wind farm in Limerick has multiple complaints of noise and shadow flicker on public record. It is most concerning that these complaints for the most part remain unresolved.

Recently, Paul Foley chaired a meeting which heard the panel discuss the community’s concerns. The Community Action Group were critical of the developers lack of public consultation process, questions unanswered and information being withheld.

The evening was not only informative, as it was described as “a strong and united position aired from a community focused on stopping the proposed development.”

Local politicians were in full support, Cllr Stephen Keary will be calling on his colleagues of full Council for support, and Cllr Adam Teskey said, “we need to future-proof our community and ask the developer to withdraw from this process and not divide my community”. 

“We were shocked and horrified to learn that people living close to Wind Turbines are not guaranteed a night’s sleep. There is no government regulation and so many people have been suffering for years.” a spokesperson for the group said.

It has been established, houses within 2km would be greatly devalued and auctioneers have confirmed some houses would not sell.

“We have received great support from the communities of West Limerick, and we are hopeful the developer will reconsider this proposal.”

The protesters are asking the people of Limerick to consider signing their petition; we need safe wind energy development that ensures the protection of health and considers the impact on the local community.

Chairman Donal Egan opened the meeting which heard the firsthand experiences from people living beside turbines in Cork, Tipperary, Kilmeedy Wind Farm & Mauricetown Wind Farm. People attending the meeting heard of wind turbine noise and shadow flicker which has been disruptive to residents. 

The Community Action Group highlighted that near every wind farm in Limerick there has been complaints to the local authority from local residents of sleep disturbance, noise and shadow flicker annoyance.

A night’s sleep is fundamental for good health and the group is calling on the Department of Health to advise their position on the impact of wind turbines on health. Children are more acutely affected by noise.

The group is concerned as they say current wind energy development guidelines were issued in 2004 meaning all wind energy developers are using 20-year-old noise guidelines for Wind Turbines which have at least tripled in size. They have also noted worry for the impact on health and the sustainability of our community. 

At the meeting, Ger Lynch, committee member told the crowd of examples where people beside turbines tried and failed to sell their properties, local auctioneers confirmed local concern. 

Ger raised concern, saying, “our children won’t come home from Australia, Canada to live, there won’t be anyone living in Coolcappa to make a sports team. Who would want to live here? Who would want to visit?”

Coolcappa Community Action Group started a petition to the developer, council and government calling for safe wind energy development that will protect health and consider the impact on local communities.

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