Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the Lyrenacarriga Wind Farm in West Waterford.
McGuinness said:
“I am stunned that An Bord Pleanála could be so deaf to the considered views of Waterford Council and the local community, which will be impacted by this colossal development.
“This is an upland landscape which is particular sensitive from an environment point of view. In many cases the wind turbines will be located immediately adjacent to family homes. The regulatory framework under which this application was made is almost two decades old and didn’t take into account the huge increase in turbine heights that has occurred since that time. The area is utterly unsuited to a development of this scale and nature.
“Wind energy has an important part to play in our move away from damaging fossil fuels, however we have a duty to be careful and considered in how we develop wind energy. I don’t believe the proposed development at Lyrenacarriga achieves the balanced and forward-looking type of development that we as a country need and deserve.
“The local community was united in its opposition. There were dedicated queues in several local post offices such was the volume of submissions being sent to An Bord Pleanála.
“I made a detailed submission opposing the development as part of the planning application. I also secured a strong official position against the development on the part of Waterford Council management, and worked across party lines to secure a strong endorsement from councillors for this position.
“The planning process was extremely convoluted and it seems to me that the goalposts were shifted time and time again. I believe the decision to treat the proposal as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) was a cynical move to allow the application bypass Waterford Council and go straight to An Bord Pleanála for decision.
“I know there will be very many people in West Waterford distraught at this decision. I expect there may be legal action arising from this decision.
“The disregard and disrespect shown to local democracy by An Bord Pleanála cannot be allowed to stand. This outfit is not above the people and must not be given free rein to override local decision making.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 