Clonroche locals in legal challenge to proposed wind farm

CLONROCHE residents are set to mount a legal challenge to overturn a decision made by An Bord Pleanala to grant planning permission for a wind farm development on Ballinclay Hill by developers Ballinclay Windfarms Ltd, owned by Edward Murphy and James Murphy.

Despite Wexford County Council refusing planning, An Bord Pleanala overturned this decision and granted planning on November 16.

A spokesperson for the residents’ group said: ‘This came as a huge disappointment to the local community who had hired an experienced planning consultant to lodge their submission with An Bord Pleanala and who had highlighted many flaws in the developer’s plans. The community are now left with no option but to head down the expensive route of a judicial review.’

The level of anger and frustration was reflected in the large turnout to meetings which were held earlier this month to discuss the options which were available to them and where the local community unanimously pledged their full backing and financial support to this legal challenge.

‘We are angry about the manner in which the developer and landowners have, for financial gain, ignored our basic human rights, such as the right to sleep and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our own home free from incessant turbine generated low-frequency noise and infrasound.

‘Our research shows that noise from these Enercon turbines can be heard 1,100 metres away. This project, in totality, would affect the wider community, not just those living close to the proposed turbines.’

As the area is zoned for wind farming, one of the main concerns is that the three-turbine plan is only the beginning, the spokesperson added. Should planning go ahead for the three turbines, areas from Clonroche, Raheen, Corcoran’s cross and Adamstown will be living in the shadow of these monstrosities.’

The community have set up a committee and have opened an account in Clonroche post office for anyone who would like to contribute towards the legal battle.

For any queries or further information, please contact ballinclayfree@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page Clonroche Against Wind Turbines.