Sinn Féin has called on Waterford City and County Council to make a formal submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the Lyrenacarriga wind farm application. Group leader Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness has requested that a special meeting is called for Councillors to have their say on the proposed development, and to draft a formal submission to An Bord Pleanála. McGuinness has previously raised concerns aboutthe development of large-scale wind farm in environmentally sensitive parts of Co. Waterford, and in close proximity to rural homes and businesses.
McGuinness said:
“The application for this development has been submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála, over the head of Waterford City and County Council. It ignored the clear and democratic decision by Waterford Council in 2018 that make West Waterford a ‘No Go Area’ for this type of wind development.
“There are questions about efficacy, environmental impact, and legacy planning, not to mention the imposition on a vibrant rural community. For our part the Sinn Féin Council Group will be making a detailed submission. I believe the full Council should also meet to discuss this matter in detail and to formulate an all-of-Waterford, cross-party submission to An Bord Pleanála.
“Sinn Féin is in favour of sustainable energy. We believe that wind has a big part to play in the generation of clean electricity. My party colleague Brian Stanley has a bill before the Dáil to introduce common-sense, up to date, and fit for purpose regulations for the wind energy sector. I have argued for a commitment to micro-generation to be included in the County Development Plan that is currently being drafted. While we recognise that an urgent move from fossil fuels is essential, its important that we plan calmly and responsibly – and not rush to build colossal turbines in sensitive and vulnerable parts of our countryside.”
ENDS
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 